A CITY councillor who opened her home to Ukrainian refugees has criticised the Home Office for its “patchy and totally inadequate” support.

Cllr Jenny Barnes said she was left “stunned” by the gap in organisation between local councils and the government after signing up for its Homes for Ukraine scheme in March.

Cllr Barnes, who represents the Arboretum ward on Worcester City Council, praised services in the county for supporting the Ukrainian refugees once they had arrived.

However, she had harsh words for the government saying the process was “hampered by indifference and lack of organisation.”

The process to bring the two Ukrainian refugees to Worcester was far from simple, according to Cllr Barnes, with one half of the joint application receiving a response in under a fortnight with the other ignored completely.

It was only after a member of city MP Robin Walker’s staff queued three times at the Home Office that the paperwork was finally finished weeks later.

The same delays were experienced in applications for biometric IDs to allow for the Ukrainians to stay for up to three years with one ID arriving immediately and another not arriving for weeks.

“I think the county and city councils have done a good job,” she said. “County organised the DBS checks, and free bus passes, while city has arranged the home visits, welfare and welcome money for new arrivals.

“The city council is also working with local volunteers to create a formal support network, including language classes, legal advice, and support in finding employment.

“Local and national charities have also stepped up, with support such as phone cards.

“Despite Home Office mismanagement, it has been a very enriching experience, trying excellently cooked Ukrainian food, and sharing their hopes and fears.

“Our guests are an important part of our family now.”

A government spokesperson said: “Applications are usually processed in the order they are received but cases vary in complexity, and it is right that we have robust safeguarding checks in place to ensure the safety of Ukrainians arriving in the UK.

“We continue to work with councils on the delivery of the scheme, giving them £10,500 per Ukrainian guest to provide wrap-around support and help families rebuild their lives here.”