A so-called 'fairness commission' could be set up to help shape policy as government cuts continue to put a strain on council services.

Redbridge council is looking at setting up a panel including an academic, councillors from all main political parties and community organisations to form part of local forum meetings.

The public will be able to raise issues directly relating to services affected by cuts to funding with a view to addressing poverty and inequality.

Council leader Jas Athwal  said: "As increasing pressures are put on council resources a focus on fairness couldn’t matter more.

"It is vitally important make sure that services are targeted to reduce poverty and inequality in the Borough and we need to think carefully about how we do this.

"We want third sector and community groups to challenge how we do things and make sure our activities are fine-turned to the needs of local communities so that everything we do makes an impact and makes Redbridge a fairer, better place to live."

The first forum meeting is taking place tonight from 6pm at Redbridge Library in Clements Road, Ilford.