WARRINGTON is set to home two Syrian refugee families fleeing persecution – with a further 12 expected to arrive over the next four years.

The Government, which has pledged to take in 4,000 Syrian refugees per year by 2020, expects every council to offer resettlement places.

Council bosses have responded to the request and confirmed they will be assisting imminently.

The authority is planning to resettle two families in the new year and a further 10 to 12 over the next four years.

All accommodation in the town will be provided through the private rented sector, meaning there will be 'no impact' on housing association waiting lists.

Housing will be managed by the council, with support from the Department for Work and Pensions, NHS and third sector partners.

The resettlement scheme, which is funded by the Government, provides resources for health and social care support and education.

It has been confirmed the refugees are entitled to find paid employment, undertake voluntary work and claim welfare benefits.

The decision over the number of families coming to the town was decided by the council following a 'programme of consultation' with the Home Office.

The council said it wants to ensure it has 'adequate support' in place to help the families 'settle and integrate well into our communities'.

Families will be homed where there is available private rented accommodation, which has access to the necessary support services and education.

The youngsters will be taking up school places and additional support is to be provided – both to the school and to children to 'encourage support and social integration'.

Refugees will also take part in English language classes, as well as having a full induction programme.

Warrington North MP Helen Jones said she thinks the borough 'is more than capable of helping a small number of families'.

She added: "The town has shown in the past how welcoming it has been to those who are fleeing persecution and I am sure it will be the same this time.

"Warrington people are generous and open-hearted and I am sure that they will make these refugees welcome and help them to settle in."

Warrington South MP David Mowat also welcomed the move.

He said: "I'm pleased that Warrington is doing its bit to help families fleeing the horrors of Syria."

Officials confirmed the refugees will be 'thoroughly assessed' before travelling to the UK.

After resettling in Warrington, they have the right to remain in the country for up to five years, after which their status will be reviewed by the Home Office, if they have not returned to their home country.