CUMBRIA’S Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes has had his request for more cash for the county’s force rejected.

Cumbria’s police and crime panel - made up of county councillors - today voted to reject revised council tax precept proposals from Mr Rhodes.

But the commissioner has the power to ignore the vote and could still push the proposed 1.93 per cent rise through. If this happens, the panel has no powers to appeal the decision.

A spokesman for the Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Mr Rhodes is reflecting on yesterday’s meeting and is speaking to the Chief Constable.”

In January, Mr Rhodes had his proposal for a 1.99 per cent precept increase rejected by the panel.

When his revised proposal for a 1.93 per cent rise went to the vote today, the panel was split eight votes to three against it.

Those opposing the rise said the it was unjustified at a time when crime is going down in Cumbria and that the county was ‘on the whole better off’ in terms of resources and police officers compared to similar forces.

A public Executive Board meeting will be held on Monday (Feb 24) at Carleton Hall, Penrith, where Mr Rhodes will decide the next steps.