Fears have been expressed of more migrant crossings in the summer, which could be "challenging" for Kent's local authorities to provide aid.

Around 130 to 140 unaccompanied asylum seekers made the treacherous journey onto county shores last weekend.

This has sparked concerns over available capacity to cater for a surge in new arrivals during the warmer summer months of 2022.

Matt Dunkley, who is Kent County Council’s (KCC) corporate director for children, young people and education, said: “The projections are very high for this summer for crossings by boat."

He added: “I think there will be some challenges for local authorities, if the projected number of children turn up.”

His comments were made on Tuesday (March 1) and come despite welcome relief provided by Boris Johnson's government to make a national transfer scheme mandatory for councils across England.

A total of 177 local authorities have agreed to take part. They will be eligible to accept unaccompanied asylum seeking children that is 0.07% or less of their general child population.

When numbers fall below this level, the council will begin to receive children through the mandatory scheme.

However, KCC officers say that transfers taking place are “not quick enough”.

Over the winter period, it has taken an average of 22 days to transfer children from Kent to other local authorities.

County Hall chiefs hope to transfer youngsters over a period of between five and 10 days. Quotas may need to rise as well later this year, they add.

KCC, local social care authority, currently cares for 381 unaccompanied asylum seekers, who are aged under 18, and, 1090 care leavers.

This comes after KCC declared it could not take in anymore unaccompanied asylum seeking children during two spells of the pandemic.

In 2021, the number of new arrivals soared, overwhelming council resources.

Once referred to county council care they stay in KCC reception centres where their needs are assessed. Almost all arrivals are males aged from 16 to 17.

During this time they have access to English lessons and schooling.

Each individual is allocated a social worker who will support their time in care up to 25, including in their asylum claim.

Cllr Trudy Dean (Lib Dem), a member of KCC's education committee, said: “Is the Home Office geared up for another wave in the not too distant future?”

The Home Office says it has "stepped up efforts" to help unaccompanied asylum seeking children to provide care placements.

Minister for Safe and Legal Migration Kevin Foster said: "I am grateful for the continued support of local authorities who have already stepped up to help more unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

"Mandating the scheme has already led to additional placements but we know there is more work to be done."