A COUNCIL is planning to protest to Home Secretary David Blunkett about the management of Cleveland Police finances.

Members of Stockton Borough Council's cabinet are pushing for an independent inquiry after the police precept was pushed up by 38 per cent.

The rise contrasts sharply with the council's 4.5 per cent increase - one of the region's lowest for the coming year.

The cabinet is recommending that the council writes to Mr Blunkett, urging him to instigate an inquiry into the financial administration of the force.

Council leader Bob Gibson said: "I find it extremely disappointing that, while Stockton council can achieve so much by carefully managing our finances and planning ahead, our residents still have to face a hefty rise because of this disproportionate increase in police costs.

"We will make it clear to Mr Blunkett that there is no reason why the police authority cannot follow our lead by planning its budgets over three or four years in advance."

The recommendation will be considered at a meeting of the full council today.