Over 2,400 people across Gravesham and Dartford are expected to be hit by the government’s “bedroom tax” which came into effect today.

In Dartford there will be an estimated 1,337 affected while in Gravesham 1,073 could face increases in their rent, according to figures released by welfare groups.

Charities say the changes in housing benefit rules will mean more people at risk of eviction and problems paying rent.

Across Kent and Medway’s parliamentary constituencies, an estimated 17,175 people stand to lose out – either by being asked to pay more rent or to move to a smaller property.

In Dartford the annual rent increase is expected to go up by £535 for one extra bedroom and £956 for two or more bedrooms.

In Gravesham it will go up by £567 for one bedroom and £1,013 for two or more.

Homelessness charity Porchlight said the changes were an attack on the poor.

Mike Barrett, Porchlight chief executive, said: “People are being asked to find more money or uproot their lives and move to a smaller property. Neither of which exists. It’s just another driver for homelessness and an attack on the poor.”

Under the government’s welfare changes, those with one spare bedroom lose 14% of their housing benefit, while those with two lose 25%.

The government says changes are needed to make better use of social housing and councils have extra money this year to help the most vulnerable tenants and disabled.