The Ter Apel refugee reception centre in Groningen has now had too many refugees four times, which means the COA settlement agency has to pay €60,000 to the local authority in compensation.

Judges ruled earlier this year that COA would be liable for a €15,000 fine for every night the centre had more than 2,000 residents – the legal limit.

“We are doing all we can to meet our agreement with Westerwolde local authority and avoid fines,” the agency said. “But the high occupancy rate and stream of newcomers means this is not always possible.”

RTV Noord said at the weekend that the situation at Ter Apel is set to become more acute because a number of temporary refugee centres are due to close their doors in the coming weeks.

The broadcaster also said the COA is using tents in several locations close to Ter Apel where people have been moved at the last minute at night to avoid paying the fine.

In January, the senate voted in favour of new legislation which will spread the refugee more equitably around the country. Some councils have not provided any accommodation for asylum seekers, whether temporary or a permanent home for those who have been given residency permits.