A KENT MP has raised in Parliament the issue of a £10 million hole in Kent’s finances due to unaccompanied children seeking asylum.

Hugh Robertson, the MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, has called for a Parliamentary debate on the subject, and wants the Government to take responsiblility for the crisis, which affects not only Kent but other parts of the country.

The problem has arisen in the county due to the number of ports of entry where unaccompanied children seeking asylum arrive.

Kent County Council, (KCC), the receiving authority, has then had to foot the cost of looking after them.

KCC has estimated that the cost amounts to nearly £10 million, of which £4.5m should come from the Home Office and £5.3m from the Department for Children, Schools and Families(DCSF).

So far, ministers have refused either to meet KCC or repay the costs, potentially leaving Kent’s Council tax-payers to pick up the bill.

Mr Robertson said: “Kent’s position as an entry point to the United Kingdom and the fact that this vulnerable group of people need special care has resulted in a £10 million bill.

"This is not Kent’s fault so the Home Office and DCSF should face up to their responsibilities as a matter of urgency rather than leave Kent Council tax payers to foot the bill."