Latest figures show that 10 council-owned family houses have been empty for more than two years and a further four also stand vacant.

Four of these 14 two and three bedroomed houses and flats have been vacant for more than five years.

The news came as the council revealed there are 148 homeless households in the county, with families either living in bed and breakfast accommodation, property leased by the council, accommodation provided by a registered social landlord or hostels.

Cllr Quentin Dodd asked the council to provide information on how many units of warden accommodation are vacant and how many homeless families are living in hostel or hotel accommodation.

Cllr Dodd said: "I was somewhat surprised at the answer as to how long some of them have been empty. We should be using them. We have a property in New Brighton, and I am continuously being asked what is happening with it. I know other councillors are being faced with this situation.

"I can't understand why we are deliberately leaving property empty. There are also people on the housing list who may not be homeless, but are living in overcrowded conditions."

The empty properties were previously used by wardens and the authority is looking into the issue.

A council spokesman said: "A significant review of the sheltered housing service was undertaken late last year and officers are currently working through a number of aspects contained within the report. One such area is empty properties which were previously used by wardens.

"A report is currently being prepared by officers which advises on progress to date."

He said this report will be presented to executive members in due course.