Epsom and Ewell Borough Council voted unanimously to spearhead a county-wide effort to support initiatives helping refugees fleeing a "murderous fascist death cult".

Councillors decisively approved court ward councillor, Vince Romagnuolo’s motion at last night’s council meeting.

Earlier this month he called on the council to resolve to work alongside its eleven boroughs and districts as well as Surrey County Council to support initiatives helping migrants seeking refuge in the UK.

Coun Romagnuolo, the son of Italian migrants, was delighted to see his motion passed, and hopes the borough can continue the UK’s "proud history" of helping refugees.

He said: "Although my parents weren't refugees, they grew up under a fascist regime.

"And make no mistake, these desperate people are fleeing a murderous fascist death cult."

He said: "I know that budgets are under pressure, but we have a moral obligation to help those who are fleeing murder perpetrated by ISIL and barrel bombs from the Syrian Government.

"I urge this council to take its fair share of the refugees and work with all the councils in Surrey and the county council to put pressure on the Government to provide the resources to house the refugees we agree to take."

Unlike many authorities, the council does not have its own housing stock and so would be reliant on securing housing association homes and the private rented sector in order to accommodate people.

There are currently long waits for people to be rehoused in the borough.

Councillors supported Coun Romagnuolo's motion, but were cautious to suggest a concrete solution until more information and guidance from central Government was available.

Residents’ Association (RA) Councillor Neil Dallen said: "We are aware that there are residents within the borough who are prepared to offer rooms in their homes for possible refugees.

"With councils across the country receiving such requests, offers of help need to be co-ordinated.

"Once we have more information from the Government and the Local Government Association, we should be able to advise people who they need to contact to offer their support."

In September Prime Minister David Cameron said the UK would take in up to 20,000 refugees over the next five years, but some councillors feel this is insufficient.

Coun Clive Woodbridge of the RA said: "Nobody can fail to be moved by pictures of people fleeing from Syria and elsewhere.

"Government says it is willing to take 20,000 - which is not being overly generous when you consider the burdens placed on other countries.

"I think we should do more and I think we have to do more."

Conservative councillor Alexander Clarke said more needed to be done, but reminded the chamber that the UK’s donations of £1.1billion to charities and camps make it the second largest bilateral donor.

Hesaid: "I do agree with the general thrust of the motion.

"I do agree we need to do more, but the UK government has been more generous than pretty much all other governments.

"We have definitely not been lacking in our support."