Ten refugee families fleeing Syria will be housed in Waltham Forest despite the borough having the second highest rate of homelessness in London, it has been announced.

The intake is part of the Government’s commitment to accept up to 20,000 refugees from now until 2020 taking refugees directly from camps in Syria, Turkey and Jordan.

The council have promised to provide decent homes “wherever possible” and provide access to health care, education and local job opportunities.

Neighbouring borough Epping Forest said the district will house up to six refugees a year in empty council properties on Tuesday (September 29).

A 38 Degrees petition calling on the council to house 50 families attracted over 1,000 signatures after photographs showing three-year-old Aylan Kurdi's body washed ashore on a Turkish beach galvanised the debate.

Leader of Waltham Forest council Chris Robbins also called on residents to foster children escaping the Syrian conflict.

He said: “Like many of our residents we are concerned about the desperate plight of Syrian refugees. And whilst we already house the third highest number of refugees in London – we stand ready to extend this support to families fleeing Syria.

“Obviously this won’t be easy. House prices are soaring, we have the second highest rate of homelessness in London and we are spending £6.5million each year on temporary and emergency accommodation.

“That is why we are continuing to ask the Government for help to meet this extra demand.

“We have always known that Waltham Forest is a kind and caring place to live and it has been great to see people from all walks of life coming together to offer their help and support.

“If people have offered a spare room and want to help refugees then they should think about fostering as the best way to play their part.

“We are already fostering many young refugees and are always looking for loving homes for the borough’s most vulnerable children and young people.”

Visit www.fosteringwalthamforest.co.uk to find out more about fostering with Waltham Forest council.