At Monday's Norwich Playhouse event, organised by Norwich Theatre, representatives from the Conservatives, Labour, Green Party, Liberal Democrats and Reform UK discussed a wide range of topics.

The hustings, moderated by Eastern Daily Press editor Richard Porritt, took place in front of an audience who applied for free tickets.

Andrew Jamieson (Conservative), Steve Morphew (Labour), Jan Davis (Green), James Wright (Liberal Democrat), and Nick Taylor (Reform UK) all set out their stalls as they prepare for the Norfolk County Council and Norwich City Council elections.

The debate turned to homelessness in Norwich after an audience member asked about the increase in people living in tents around the city.

Tents in the St Stephens underpass in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley)

Reform UK's Mr Taylor said there was an "underbelly" in Norwich”, with a "housing emergency" which needs to be tackled.

He said his wife does not like to go into the city centre on Saturdays and called for a greater visible police presence.

Mr Morphew, for Labour, said the city council was trying to deal with the issue, but it can be challenging to support and help homeless people.

Nick Taylor (Image: Nick Taylor)

Conservative Mr Jamieson said Norwich City Council had received millions to tackle homelessness and needs to spend it rather pushing people into neighbouring districts.

Mr Wright, for the Liberal Democrats, described homelessness as a “complex issue” which takes time to address, while Green Jan Davis said it was important to find out people’s problems and work with them to improve their lives".

An audience member asked why homes are being built on so much of Norfolk's countryside.

Mr Morphew said development was needed for homes and jobs, but a balance between those needs and the environment needed to be struck.

Steve Morphew (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Jamieson agreed that homes were needed, but must be in the right place.

Mr Taylor said too much of the countryside was being turned into "housing estates" and housing should be focused on Norwich, towns and villages.

Mr Davis said national policy was eroding local say over such schemes, while Mr Wright said brownfield sites should be used first.

Bus services and their reliability sparked more debate after a question from an audience member.

Labour's Mr Morphew said buses in Norwich are “getting better” and that public ownership would benefit users, which Green Mr Davis agreed with. He said: "We need it as a public service to serve the public.”

Jan Davis (Image: Jan Davis)

Reform UK's Mr Taylor said: “The buses are wanting in Norwich and as you get out to rural areas we really need to raise our game”.

Conservative Mr Jamieson opposed bringing buses back into public ownership, highlighting that the county council has invested millions into new electric buses.

Solar farms, following a spate of applications for major schemes in Norfolk, drew strong opinions.

A solar farm takes shape in Norfolk (Image: Mike Page)

Mr Jamieson said proposed "solar factories" on farmland are causing “enormous damage”.

Andrew Jamieson (Image: Denise Bradley)

But Mr Davis said there was much "myth and scaremongering" around solar farms. He said: “We are in a climate emergency - where is our energy going to come from?”

Mr Taylor said solar panels belong “on roofs, homes, factories and supermarkets”, rather than fields and pledged his party would mount a judicial challenge if major schemes are approved in Norfolk.

Stephen Crocker, chief executive of Norwich Theatre, asked what parties would do for arts and culture.

Stephen Crocker, chief executive and creative director of Norwich Theatre (Image: Andi Sapey)

Mr Morphew said it brings jobs and encourages people to live and visit the city, but Mr Taylor said government taxes on hospitality businesses threaten the viability of arts organisations, which can rely on bars and food for funding.

Mr Davis warned art and culture in schools is “declining” and that community groups deserve more support.

James Wright (Image: James Wright)

Mr Wright called the city’s main venues “really important to the city”, and said culture could help boost mental health and the economy.

Mr Jamieson said the Tory-controlled county council has spent millions on Norwich Castle’s keep revamp.

All 84 divisions at Norfolk County Council and 14 at Norwich City Council are up for election on May 7.

© Norwich Evening News