Plans for county's empty houses

Houses in Devon which have been lying empty for years could be brought back into use more quickly with new powers being considered by the government.

The Empty Homes Agency said if approved, it could help ease the county's affordable housing crisis.

The charity said there are about 13,000 empty private properties across Devon.

The new powers could allow councils to take control of those properties which could be refurbished and used for the homeless or others in housing need.