The Mayor of Medway said giving money to people on the streets is not a sensible thing to do.

Cllr Stuart Tranter is calling on charities and organisations to work together to reduce the number of people living on the streets.

The councillor has previously said he wants the Towns to lead the way in tackling the problem and has now revealed more details of his plans.

He aims to set up a multi-agency team involving the police, social workers, probation and charities, as well as offering clear advice to members of the public.

He said: “I’ve spoken to quite a large number of the groups and organisations, they have all got very kind hearts and doing very good work, but it’s not always constructive.

“There may be cases where giving some people on the streets everything they need may not be the best thing to do, then there is no need for them to engage with help.

“Under no circumstances is giving money to people on the streets a sensible thing to do.

“There are plenty of places for them to go to and they all know where they are, and there are places for them to sleep but there are basic rules for the staying there.”

Mr Tranter would also like to establish a register of those who are homeless and what their situation is, so those who can help have all the information necessary to do so.

Cllr Tranter said the plan has the support of Medway’s head of community safety, Cllr Adrian Gulvin, the head of housing, Cllr Howard Doe and Rochester and Strood MP, Kelly Tolhurst.

The Rochester West ward councillor added: “The more you dig into it, the more complicated it is.

“I’m trying to get a handle on the need that is out there.

“Homeless is a very broad description and it implicates a lot of people, not just the ones who are living on the streets.

“Each and every case out on the streets is individual and very complex.

“There is very often drug and alcohol dependency, mental health issues, very often there is criminal activity and just those who are not homeless but appear to be, and there are those who are Medway based and those who just come into Medway.”

He added: “We can’t solve it but we can manage it.”

If any groups or individuals who would like to be involved, contact Mr Tranter on stuart-tranter@btconnect.com

What do you think? Email medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk