St Albans District Council has signalled its support to offer humanitarian aid for a limited number of Syrian refugees.

Following a cabinet meeting last week, councillors agreed to play its part in any nationally agreed and coordinated approach to supporting refugees.

Overall, the Government has indicated that it will be taking 20,000 people over five years.

If shared equally across all areas of the country, this might mean about 100 people a year coming to Hertfordshire, or 10 per district.

It is not yet clear how decisions on where people will live will be made so it could be more or fewer.

Councillors agreed the most pressing need is to find suitable self-contained accommodation.

Since there is already a long waiting list for housing in our own council properties, the council is looking to accommodate refugees in the private rented sector.

Cllr Brian Ellis, the council’s portfolio holder for housing said: “We have received many kind offers of help from local people keen to do something to support the current Syrian refugee crisis.

“The council stands ready to play its full part. We expect to receive firm details from the government soon and are writing to offer our commitment and support.

"In the meantime, we are seeking help to find family-sized, self-contained accommodation, and have contacted private sector landlords with this in mind.

"If there are any local people who can offer suitable self-contained properties, we are keen to hear from them.”

To contact the council, email housingoptions@stalbans.gov.uk, or call 01727 819355.