A POLICE force has lined up a controversial suggestion for generating cash.

A premium rate number could be introduced for making non-emergency calls to the North Yorkshire force.

The idea is being floated by Chief Constable Della Cannings in a report to the county's police authority.

It comes only days after the force had to accept a compromise deal on its funding for next year in a bid to keep council tax bills down.

Premium rate costs can be anything between 10p and £1.50 a minute and the charge begins the moment the phone is answered.

If the idea was taken forward, charges could apply to such things as calls on personal safety or crime prevention.

The force is looking at the possibility of setting up a Countywide Non-Emergency Network (CNEN) number to ease pressure on the 999 service.

And Ms Cannings has told the authority that there is the potential for making the number a premium rate one.

But she conceded that the idea was "sensitive" and would need careful consideration and analysis if it was to be taken any further.

She also warned: "It is likely that this could result in an increase in the number of people calling 999 rather than the CNEN number as the 999 service is free."

She will be asking the police authority's strategic planning and best value board to give its views on the premium rate line at its meeting today.

Vale of York Tory MP Anne McIntosh said yesterday that while she had sympathy with the force's financial difficulties, she would be very reluctant for any public service to impose such a charge.

And she added that she would prefer a return to the old system, under which people could call their local police station about a local matter.

A force spokesman said the CNEN number would be heavily advertised. At the moment, there are 13 numbers around the county, making it difficult for people without easy access to a phone directory to find the number.