More beds for asylum seekers have been organised by local councils since legislation to distribute refugees more fairly across the country came into force, but targets are still not being met, broadcaster NOS reported on Tuesday.

By July 1, 101,500 beds should be “ready for use”, but according to figures from refugee settlement agency COA, the total was only 73,000 by June 1, with one month to go before the deadline.

Excluding places that are only temporary — for six months or less — the total is just 55,000. And with permits for some locations due to expire soon, the total number of beds provided by local authorities may be lower than at the end of last year, NOS said.

Two-thirds of the Netherlands’ 342 local authority areas are providing fewer beds than required by law, although some have reached agreements with neighbouring councils to take over their responsibilities.

The legislation, known as the “spreading law”, was due to be repealed by former immigration minister Marjolein Faber, but is backed by COA, provincial authorities and most local councils.

The far-right PVV has since withdrawn from the government, and that means the law is likely to remain in place, at least for the time being.

Some councils told NOS they had not met their targets because they do not have any suitable locations or due to local housing needs. Others have faced demonstrations, sometimes violent, against plans to develop refugee centres.

Councils have also criticised the national government for failing to provide a clear position on the refugee housing crisis. Faber’s job has now been split between three different ministries.

Earlier this month, RTL reported that Groningen, where the Ter Apel reception centre is located, and Flevoland are the only two provinces where all councils have met their quotas.

The legislation was introduced after it emerged that some towns had not provided any refugee accommodation for years, while others, such as Ter Apel, struggle to cope.