Debt advice could be given in Lakenham GP surgeries in drive to cut Norwich inequality

Vaughan Thomas, Norwich City councils cabinet member for fairness and equality, is behind the plans. (Image: Submitted)

And GP surgeries could be used as places where people struggling to make ends meet are offered advice on debt and whether they are getting the right benefits.

Norwich City Council is putting together an action plan to help reduce social, economic and health inequalities across the city and intends to test out its strategy in Lakenham.

The council hopes to work with the Norwich Clinical Commissioning Group to run joint initiatives to get people in better shape - both physically and financially.

As well offering debt advice in GP surgeries, 'Get Active' sessions could be introduced to get families to be more active.

Planned improvements to the yellow pedalway cycle route, which runs through Lakenham Way, could be used to promote walking and cycling to school.

A patch of land in Lakenham could be used for a project encouraging people to grow and eat healthy food, while a domestic violence campaign focused on the estate is planned.

The council is also exploring whether some parts of the estate could be redesigned to tackle clusters of anti-social behaviour.

Vaughan Thomas, the city council's cabinet member for fairness and equality, said: 'It's about picking an area, so we can take action and then working in partnership to help to reduce inequalities.

'There are huge challenges in Norwich and it's not just about people who are out of work. There's inequalities with people who are in work too.'

He added 'structural change' was needed to deal with imminent funding cuts.

Norwich City Council's cabinet approved the action plan at a meeting this week.

• What do you think should be done to reduce inequality in Norwich? Write, giving full contact details, to Letters Editor, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk