Rutland Council is set to work with neighbouring councils to accept refugees from Afghanistan.

However, the county council is keeping under wraps how many may come to the county and where they may live.

The move is recommended in a report prepared for a meeting of the council's cabinet next Tuesday.

The refugees would arrive as part of the Afghan LES relocation scheme, which concerns those who worked for the Allies at risk to their lives.

Charnwood Borough Council would act as lead authority for co-ordinating the scheme locally, which follows requests from central government earlier this summer.

The UK government made a commitment to relocate 5000 people (or 600 families) before September.The Afghan LES Relocation Scheme is being led by the Ministry of Defence with operational support from the Home Office, Department for Education, Department of Work and Pensions and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

People who are relocated under the scheme will be supported for a 12-month period by Local Authorities.

At present, the refugees are said to be living in 'holding hotels.'

Rutland has offered to take a number of refugees but has not said how many in the report.

The report continued: "Charnwood Borough Council will act as the lead authority for the co-ordination of the scheme, with a dedicated Resettlement Officer and a team of support workers.

"The team will carry out reception arrangements upon arrival at the airport and welcome briefing (depending on current quarantine requirements).

"A package of advice and assistance will be given covering employment, welfare benefits, housing, health, education and utility supply.

"In addition, registration with GPs and local Job Centre Plus including receipt of a National Insurance Number, assisting in securing school places where needed and cash support will be available."

The report said council officers have been consulting with local councillors on this and the community has offered much support to help with resettling the refugees.

It said Rutland Council could choose not to take part in the relocation scheme, but councillors had expressed support for it and the council also had strong local ties to the military and is committed to supporting military families through the through the Armed Forces Covenant.

The report continued: "The Afghan LES Relocation Scheme is nationally funded. The Home Office is providing a funding package to resource local authorities who come forward with offers to resettle Afghan LES and their families.

"A mechanism is in place via a partnership with Charnwood Borough Council to cover accommodation and support costs. Property void costs will be covered by the scheme for up to 56 days pending a family being matched to a property.

"Whilst Government have made some announcements around funding, we still haven't seen anything detailed as to what this will cover."

The Home Office will undertake Police checks on any properties offered and

• Moral obligation to those who have supported our armed forces and agree to be part of the Afghan LES Relocation Scheme

• RCC should proactively participate in the national relocation and resettlement scheme in recognition of the plight of the families in need and their contribution to the British Forces in Afghanistan

• It is an externally funded scheme, including void property costs pending a family being matched to a property

• RCC will enter a partnership arrangement with Charnwood Borough Council and use existing mechanisms for the receipt of funding and provision of support.