People wanting to help Syrian refugees in Kingston face blocks by “complicated and strict” Home Office rules, which bar them from staying in a family home.

The vulnerable persons relocation scheme for Syrian nationals was announced by the Home Office in March 2014 and Kingston Council was quick to show support.

When Kingston Council leader Kevin Davis asked for volunteers to house refugees in June, just three people came forward – one of whom was rejected for having an unsuitable property.

But when three-year-old Syrian boy Aylan Kurdi’s body washed up on a Turkish beach on September 2, the council had an influx of people wanting to help.

Councillor Davis said: “It is an extremely complicated issue. I have had hundreds of people come forward but only four or five that are actually suitable.

“I even have a person with a plane say they are willing to fly refugees over but I can’t act on any of these things. 

“Finding accommodation that meets the Home Office’s requirements is not easy but we continue to work hard to identify suitable properties.

“These are vulnerable people who might have mental health issues, [people who] have been tortured under the Syrian regime. 

“They need houses. Unfortunately they can’t just be housed with other people or families easily.”

Last week Chancellor George Osborne announced a slice of the UK’s £12.2bn overseas spend would be given to councils to help house vulnerable Syrians for one year.

After that, how they would be funded is unclear.

Kingston Liberal Democrat leader Liz Green said: “I know the Home Office guidelines are complicated and strict, which is blocking a lot of people who want to help with accommodation.

“We fully support Kevin and the Conservatives in their plans to help the Syrian refugees.”

Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) has launched an appeal.

Director of RAK Sanja Djeric Kane said: “Getting refugee status in the UK is often extremely difficult and the numbers of those who are destitute are rising every day.”

Minister of State for Immigration James Brokenshire said: “We believe that the scheme will make a real difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable Syrians displaced by the conflict by giving them protection and support in the UK.”

Kingston Council has to date received 33 offers to house Syrian refugees.  These break down into six full properties and 27 offers of rooms in family homes. 

A spokesman said: "We are currently assessing the suitability of the six homes. As it stands the Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme will only accept self contained accommodation under Home Office criteria.

"For this reason, as a local authority, we are unable to get involved in the remaining 27 very generous offers at present. However, we will keep the situation under constant review."

Businesses and residents across the borough have been showing support for refugees. Kingston’s Banquet Records is collecting toiletries and clothes while the Fighting Cocks pub in London Road will host a live band day with proceeds including bar spends going to help Syrian refugees on October 10.

To help visit localgiving.com/charity/refugeeactionkingston