Householders across Norwich could be given free bags to recycle their food in, if a bid for �475,000 of government funding is successful.

Norwich City Council is hoping to secure the cash in an attempt to increase the number of people who make use of the food caddies which the authority has provided to thousands of homes.

A survey of households earlier this year revealed that only about 28pc of households use the food waste recycling service, which is considered to be 'extremely low' compared to many other councils which offer it.

Officers who knocked on thousands of doors were told by some people that they did not put their food waste out for collection because the council does not provide free caddy liners.

The city council gave householders a few bags when the caddies were first distributed, but after that people were left to buy their own, or wrap food up in newspapers.

But, with some council areas, including Broadland, providing free liners, the city council is now hoping to secure the money which will enable them to follow suit.

A report, to go before members of the council's controlling Labour cabinet this Wednesday, suggests councillors apply for money from the Department of Communities and Local Government's weekly collection support scheme,

That cash would mean a supply of liners could be delivered to homes twice a year, extra kerbside and kitchen caddies could be provided and the contracts of two council officers charged with knocking on doors to increase recycling rates could be extended.

South Norfolk Council is also seeking funding from the scheme to introduce food waste collection services to about 17,000 households in Costessey, Cringleford, Hethersett, Wymondham and Easton, while Broadland District Council hopes to extend its service to a further 7,500 homes.

• What do you think of the food caddies? Write to Evening News Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk