MORE than 20 homes may have to be set aside in the Malvern Hills for asylum seekers as authorities prepare to cope with the Government's dispersal programme.

A group of 167 family 'units' - which could range from a single adult male to couples with children - are due to arrive in the county in October.

It will follow the signing of contracts between the local authorities, including Malvern Hills District Council and Worcestershire County Council, with the Government.

The aim is to take the pressure off hard pressed local authorities in the south east, particularly Kent and the London boroughs.

The asylum seekers, estimated at more than 500 people, are destined for homes in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the bulk being allocated to Worcestershire.

The origins of the asylum seekers, mostly families, will not be known until closer to the time of arrival, but possibilities include Afghans, Kosovars, Chinese, Kurds, Russians, Somalis, Iranians or Iraqis.

There are already around 90 asylum seekers in Worcestershire, the majority of them Kosovars.

Worcestershire's district councils will be responsible for housing the new arrivals, with the Malvern Hills allocation being around 21 or 22 'units'.

The district council has been asked to identify one, two and three bedroom properties.

The composition of the 'units' - whether they are families with children - depends on the availability of school places. There is also the question of extra support for school authorities, such as dealing with the question of interpreters.

Concerns over funding were raised with Sir Michael Spicer, MP for West Worcestershire, at a meeting with officials at Malvern Hills District Council this week.

Although the Government is putting up funds for accommodation, the Council believes there are initial start-up costs which will be difficult to absorb.

"I was told it was unclear where the cost of this is going to be borne," Sir Michael said, "The Government has made various noises about it and assurances. What I have said I would do is get hold of ministers as soon as possible to make them give an assurance, so it becomes absolutely clear, that as the costs are incurred the Government will foot the bill."

One problem MHDC has is the Government's stipulation that properties have to be furnished, as local housing associations have a shortage of such property. It may be that the Council has to turn to the private rented market.

By providing furnished properties, the Government has reduced the amount of money it gives to asylum seekers. There is a sliding scale of benefits ranging from £57.37 a week for a couple to £28.95 for an under 25-year-old. Most of this money is in the form of vouchers for food, the 'cash' element is only a £10 voucher redeemable at main Post Offices.

The new dispersal arrangements are being administered by the National Asylum Seeker Support Service with 'clusters' of local authorities, the lead authority locally being Birmingham City Council.