The NORTH of England has housed a disproportionate number of asylum seekers and refugees compared to the rest of the UK, new analysis has found.

Asylum seekers and recent refugees in the North East made up 173 people per 10,000 population as of the end of June - the highest in the country.

In Yorkshire and the Humber, the figure stands at 109 while in the North West it's at 123 per 100,000.

That is a stark contrast to southern areas of the UK with the West Midlands (99) and London (93) the next highest areas.

Analysis by the Home Office found nine out of 10 people supported in England under the UK's asylum and refugee schemes live in the poorest two-fifths of the country by council area.

The regional disparity has lead to calls for wealthier areas in the South to increase their intake as the country experiences an influx of Afghan refugees.

READ MORE: Councils and charities prepare to help house Afghan refugees

The Northern Echo: Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston

Andy Preston, the mayor of Middlesbrough, told The Guardian: “Middlesbrough is delighted to offer safety and refuge to some Afghan people but categorically all cities and towns across our country have a responsibility to play a role in this."

Councils across the North East have announced their support for Afghan refugees.

Gordon Elliott, Durham County Council’s head of partnerships and community engagement (right), said his authority would be providing assistance to those seeking asylum in the UK.

He said: “We can confirm that as with councils across the country we have been approached by the government about the resettlement of families from Afghanistan.

“In line with our commitment to offering humanitarian support to appropriate numbers of vulnerable individuals through the government-funded UK Resettlement Scheme, we are assisting with this emergency situation.”

READ MORE: Darlington pub The Old English Gentleman is hub for Afghan donations

County Durham is home to 280 of the Syrian refugees housed across the UK, figures from the House of Commons Library show. Darlington is home to 61 of the Syrian refugees, while 80 are housed in Hambleton and Richmondshire.

The Refugee Council charity praised the success of the Syrian conflict scheme, but said it is critical the Government provides enough support to help councils welcome Afghan nationals.

The Government's Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme is set to welcome 20,000 people.

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