The Government will consult national crime chiefs before going any further with controversial changes to a funding formula for Cumbria police. 

Police Minister Mike Penning this week confirmed that officials would seek their views before embarking on any new policy. 

His response follows a campaigned launched against proposed Cumbria police cuts by the Times & Star and other CN Group newspapers. 

A 14,471-name petition was delivered to Downing Street.

Chancellor George Osborne last week announced that the police would not face controversial funding cuts. 

Mr Penning said he understood the concerns raised by our Fight The Cuts campaign. 

He said: "We have always been clear that we will only be successful in achieving our aim of building a fit-for-purpose and sustainable model with considerable input from policing partners. 

"We will seek the views of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and the National Police Chiefs’ Council before going any further."

Mr Penning said officials had made it clear there was no "simple link between officer numbers and crime levels". 

He wrote: "The decision as to how neighbourhood policing teams in Cumbria are resourced, deployed and the duties those officers undertake is an operational matter for the chief constable, in association with his police and crime commissioner. 

"This flexible approach allows the police to respond to the individual needs and priorities of their communities. 

"We strongly support visible local policing and we know the public want a visible police presence in their communities, working alongside them to identify and tackle the issues that really matter. 

"However, visibility is not just about the number of officers on the street but having a presence where people now live their lives and are at risk, for example on-line.

"We encourage forces to be innovative and make the best use of technology in the way in which they engage with the public to ensure they meet the needs of all sectors of the community."