The Dover district has not taken in any Syrian refugees because "suitable housing" has not yet been found.

It was confirmed in October last year that 12 asylum-seeking families would be allocated private housing in Dover, Deal and Sandwich.

They will be eligible for benefits, health care and given the option to work.

Dover District Council (DDC) leader, Cllr Paul Watkins, said four families could be accommodated before Christmas.

This was only if a request was made.

Prime Minister David Cameron announced in September that by 2020 the country will take in 20,000 refugees.

Many are fleeing their home country to escape the ongoing conflict.

Cllr Watkins stressed that this is a “one off” Syrian crisis issue and that Dover on its own “certainly is not a dispersal area for asylum seekers.”

A DDC spokesman said: "A full report was considered by DDC Cabinet in December.

"We have had no confirmed arrival dates at this time, and we are still in the process of trying to secure suitable housing and finalise support arrangements with other agencies."