Andy Preston said Middlesbrough remained committed to supporting the Afghans who risked their lives supporting British soldiers and are fleeing almost certain torture and death at the hands of the Taliban.
But he expects all councils to play a part, especially those in affluent areas of the south.
His call comes as the Government announced that the UK would receive some 20,000 Afghan refugees over the next five years.
Reiterating his pledge that Middlesbrough would ‘stand tall' in support of those fleeing terror and oppression, Mayor Preston said he expected the same from political leaders of all hues, and from all areas of the UK.
Mayor Preston said: "For years Middlesbrough has taken far more than its fair share of asylum seekers, and we've been happy to give them the shelter and security denied them in their own countries.
"And we'll continue to do that, in support of anyone who is persecuted, terrorised and abused.
"But it's time for a ‘levelling up' where places like Middlesbrough don't continue to shoulder most of the challenges - so I'd want to see posh places like Kensington & Chelsea and Elmbridge, Surrey taking their fair share of those in need as well.
"Together we can do this, but only if it's done fairly, if everyone plays their part and if the right support is in place.
"We owe it to those who have put their lives on the line in support our squaddies- they are our friends and allies and we will stand by them."
