AFFORDABLE housing for single people in West Devon is to be given a boost, thanks to a ground-breaking partnership between the county council and West Devon Borough Council.

The move, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, means council tax from second homes in West Devon, plus additional funding raised from empty properties, could see up to £162,000 being invested in affordable housing for single people.

Both authorities have agreed to use the income from second homes, with the county investing more than £109,000 and a further £53,000 from the borough.

Cllr Margaret Garden, chairman of the borough?s future planning and housing committee, said: ?Having a secure, affordable home is fundamental to everyone?s quality of life and at West Devon, we are doing everything in our power to achieve this.

?Whilst £162,000 may not seem a huge sum, we will be using it to its full potential to deliver homes that will be let to local people at affordable rents.?

Devon is the first county council in the country to reinvest additional income from second homes into local community priorities like affordable housing.

West Devon used new powers to cut the council tax discount on second homes from 50% to 10% earlier this year.

County leader Cllr Christine Channon said: ?Having a home they can afford is a big concern for local people desperately trying to get on the housing ladder.

Deputy leader Cllr Brian Greenslade said: ?Local people have been priced out of the market and our councils are providing a key to get back into a home they can afford ? this is a major social issue.?