Local councils are having to turn away Ukrainian refugees because there are not enough accommodation places available for them.

The local government association VNG wrote to parliament last week warning that municipalities were not receiving enough support from the cabinet, with the result that they were “hesitant about organising extra accommodation places” for Ukrainians.

There are currently more than 120,000 Ukrainian refugees registered in the Netherlands, who are entitled to the same rights as EU citizens under the rules introduced shortly after the full-scale Russian invasion three years ago.

Just 200 beds are available for new refugees out of a total capacity of 93,970, according to government figures. Only 600 beds have been added since the turn of the year, despite a pledge to raise the number to 107,000 by July.

Rutger Groot Wassink, alderman responsible for social affairs in Amsterdam, told NOS: “We have reached the sad stage where we in the Netherlands cannot accommodate any more refugees from Ukraine and we are leaving the Ukrainian people in the lurch.”

The local government association said it was concerned about the mental health of Ukrainians in the Netherlands, pointing to a shortage of therapists who can speak to patients in their own language.

It asked asylum minister Marjolein Faber to explain how she was fulfilling her responsibilities to care for the welfare of Ukrainians, as stated in the temporary protection rules.

“We ask the cabinet to take the lead in organising a nationwide service, including the necessary support, for people who can no longer stay in regular accommodation facilities,” they wrote.

The VNG also called on the cabinet to give councils more powers to enforce the financial contributions that Ukrainians are supposed to pay towards their upkeep.

Since July last year adults who are in work or receiving benefits have been required to pay €105 a month for gas, water and electricity and €242.48 if they receive hot meals in their accommodation.

Ukrainians have the right to live and work in the Netherlands until March 4 next year under the EU’s special protection regime. Around six in 10 of them are working and earning money.