CUMBRIA'S police and crime commissioner says there has been nearly 300 more complaints about Cumbria Police this year compared to last.

PCC Richard Rhodes highlighted that there has been a 286 increase in 'quality of service' complaints with 792 being received so far in 2014.

The figures were detailed as the crime chief reflected on some of the 'challenges and successes of 2014'.

He explained that generally his office had responded to more than 5,580 general 'contacts' from members of the public so far this year, compared to 5,261 for the full year in 2013, and had won recognition for its public engagement.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner said: “More people are coming forward to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as a result of the higher profile of the commissioner compared to the previous Police Authority.

"Quality of service issues range from dissatisfaction with service they have received from the constabulary, right the way through to general observations from members of the public that they wish to share with the concept of improving services to the public.”

Mr Rhodes wrote: "I am pleased that the constabulary performance remains good and crime levels are stable.

"There is always room to try and reduce crime further but we have to be realistic about this expectation given the overall policing budget is reducing by a fifth.

"Unfortunately, police officer numbers will have to reduce but there are some exciting opportunities incorporating technology to maximise the time that officers spend working out in our communities."

Mr Rhodes, who was elected to the £65,000-a-year post in November 2012, has attended around 85 different meetings or events throughout the year so far - including seven where he was accompanied by his wife.

His travel expenses total just over £2,300 for the year and his office's register of gifts, hospitality and gratuities show that these amount to an estimated value of £700 for the year up until October.

These included networking and engagement events, speaking at meetings and lunches, including minor items like 'drinks and nibbles' and a '£1.50 cup of tea with travellers' at Appleby Horse Fair.

Mr Rhodes also met Holker Hall's Lord Cavendish, attended Ulverston's Civic Sunday, has spoken at a dinner organised by Ambleside Rotary Club, had dinner with Carlisle Tory MP John Stevenson and accepted 'a bottle of water from the director of the Westmorland Shopping Centre in Kendal,' worth £1.

However, Mr Rhodes also turned down an invitation to attend a two-day event which offered five star accommodation and declined refreshment at one event.

Figures from 2014 showed that the commissioner's office employs 11 members of staff and the annual wage bill is over £414,000.

Cumbria Police expect to have to find nearly £12 million in savings by 2017/18.