Two former MPs who served the district until May's General Election have each received more than £30,000 to help them adjust to life outside the Commons.

Conservative Anthony Steen and Liberal Democrat Richard Younger-Ross have been awarded resettlement grants of £32,383, payments which are in addition to their pensions, equal to half their former annual salaries and tax-free on the first £30,000.

Mr Steen decided not to defend his Totnes seat after it was revealed he had claimed almost £90,000 in four years for expenses at his home near Avonwick.

The 70-year-old former barrister had served in the House of Commons since 1974.

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