Frustration at handling of refugee homes scheme
Kent County Council (KCC) has been criticised for its handling of the Homes for Ukraine scheme with host families claiming they are getting no help. Last week the authority said it was actively working to help shelter 1,165 Ukrainians fleeing war in their homeland.
It said 429 sponsors had signed up for the scheme and it was offering support with access to education, healthcare, benefits and English classes.
However, some host families have come forward to say they haven’t had any help from the council, or the relevant DBS checks required to make sure homes are safe and suitable.
Labour Kent County Councillor Barry Lewis, who represents Thanet, says he’s had messages from people across the county about the problem.
He said: “The war has been going on for a month and I understand the frustration of Kent people who have opened their doors to Ukrainian refugees only to be told by different councils that there is no urgency and the protocol comes first.” Otham resident Oonagh Keith has set up a Facebook group for people rehoming refugees. She claims hosts from Bearsted, Maidstone, Coxheath, Tonbridge, Cranbrook and Paddock Wood have been left in the dark. Oonagh is set to host a young mother and her 12-year-old son, but hasn’t been DBS checked.
She said: “I’ve contacted Kent County Council and Maidstone council by phone and emails nine times, but haven’t heard back from anyone.
“We need the support from the council to help these families. Many host families have never had to use social care system, so will need the council to help them help their refugees.” Clare Sender, who lives in Laddingford, claims she was “brushed off” by KCC staff when she rang for help.
She said: “I was shocked to encounter a rude receptionist who told me in no uncertain terms the council had nothing to do with the scheme.
“Only after some hard work from one of my friends were we given the right email.”