IT is the new organisation aiming to tackle inequality and poverty in Southampton.

City council chiefs last night approved the establishment of a new Fairness Commission.

One councillor will sit on the new body, which will meet six times a year for public meetings, with the public, businesses and voluntary organisations forming the rest of its membership.

Labour councillor Darren Paffey, who will be the council’s representative, said new methods of tackling poverty are needed in Southampton.

He said the life expectancy for men in the city can vary by up to ten years depending on which area they live in.

He told the meeting: “The commission will look to improve the quality of life for all in the city.

“It will ask how city organisations, the public and the voluntary sector can work to tackle these issues.”

The commission’s meetings have not yet been scheduled.