Host families taking part in the Homes for Ukraine scheme claim they are getting no help from Kent County Council (KCC).

Last week the authority said it was 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 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.

“Both councils point at each other and nobody takes any responsibility.

“They will be flying here soon and as a bare minimum my home should be inspected and links on how to help them should be sent to me by the council – I want them to feel safe.

“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.

“I have found many other councils are very active in sorting this out – so why not Kent?

“Is this the best we can do? Do I really have to shame Kent into action.”

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.”

Responding to the criticism of its response over the Homes for Ukraine scheme, a Kent County Council (KCC) spokesman said: “There has been an outstanding and hugely generous response to the Homes for Ukraine scheme from Kent residents who have kindly offered to provide a place of safety in their homes for traumatised Ukrainian refugees.

“The council entirely understands the frustration that some sponsors are feeling, and the desperate need to rehome these refugees as quickly as possible. We want to reassure our residents that we are doing everything we can to ensure the scheme is implemented safely and successfully for all.

“Anyone in Kent registered under the Homes for Ukraine scheme will receive an email from KCC today with a form to fill out to arrange for DBS checks to be carried out.

"The form will also ask whether any support is needed around school provision, so that we can put hosts in touch with our education team.

"Home visits will then be carried out by housing authorities (district, borough and city councils).

“The Homes for Ukraine scheme differs entirely from any previous refugee resettlement schemes in the UK and we are acting on guidance and communicating information as swiftly as possible."

“We will be carrying out these checks as soon as possible and would like to reassure everyone that we have been informed by Central Government that the execution of home checks and DBS checks will not delay refugees getting their visas and being able to continue their journeys to safety here in Kent.

“We are also (with our partners) developing a welcome pack containing information about essential services and additional advice and support services that will be provided for those families requiring them.

“The Homes for Ukraine scheme differs entirely from any previous refugee resettlement schemes in the UK and we are acting on guidance and communicating information as swiftly as possible.

“KCC has a dedicated web page www.kent.gov.uk/Ukraine where people can access information about the scheme and find useful links. The page is regularly updated when new information is received.

“An email address is also available Ukraine@kent.gov.uk for local charities and volunteers wishing to offer help or those seeking advice.”

For more information on the scheme, click here.