Households in Norwich have one of the most modest budgets for home help like cleaning and gardening of any city in the UK, according to research by an insurance company.

A study by Privilege Insurance found that one in three people now pays for help with childminding, gardening, window cleaning and other jobs.

The research found that the amount of money being spent on hired help ranges from £11 in Norwich to £150 in Nottingham.

A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 6% had a house cleaner, while 2% paid to have their oven cleaned.

Almost half of households in Newcastle upon Tyne had a hired help, compared with one in five in Bristol, according to the report.

Christian Mendes, head of Privilege home insurance, said a change in lifestyles had prompted more people to turn to domestic help. 'Modern life is busier than ever, and everyone feels like they are working harder for longer.'