In theory it sounds like a master-stroke.

Seize the thousands of homes left empty across the Bristol area and use them to solve our housing crisis. Or, at least, make a significant dent in the figures.

For several years there have been rules which allow local authorities such as Bristol and its neighbours to take over housing stock which has lain unoccupied for six months or more.

We suspected that in the Bristol area there were quite a few homes lying empty while people wait months, sometimes years, on waiting lists.

Now we know the extent of the problem.

In the former Avon area there are more than 11,000 empty properties, with about 33,000 on waiting lists.

But why are these powers not being used already?

The council has known about them for years.

They're called Empty Dwelling Management Orders, and it gives councils temporary rights over the properties they seize in this way.

Local authorities would then move families, currently housed in temporary accommodation, into the newly-acquired homes.

Now we hear that Bristol Lib Dem Cabinet Councillor Dr Mark Wright, who is in charge of the council's housing department, is vowing to get tough and use these powers to reduce the waiting list for council homes.

That can only be good news for those people who are desperately waiting for somewhere to live.

And, of course, it means that taxpayers don't have to help foot the bill to pay for thousands of new homes to be built in the countryside around Bristol.

But it does makes you wonder why they have waited two years before taking action.