Police chiefs are looking for ways to slash an £800,000-a-year legal bill.

Sussex Police currently pays East Sussex County Council to handle matters like compensation claims from the public or staff, human resources issues and to instruct a lawyer on the force’s behalf.

Between 2006 and 2009 the cost of handling claims from the public more than doubled, rising from £112,374 to £236,230.

On average the force paid the council £813,302 a year, rising from £635,231 in 2006 to £921,415 in 2008.

After revealing the details under the Freedom of Information Act, Sussex Police said it is looking at cheaper ways of handling legal issues and may work together with other forces.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “The provision of legal services is being reviewed at this time to ensure that we do get best value for money.

“One of the options being considered is a collaborative agreement with other Forces or other partners."

Collaboration has been a key element in Sussex Police’s efforts to make £35m savings by 2015, based on predictions that the amount of money supplied from the Government for policing will freeze regardless of who takes office this month.

Witness protection, technical support and covert operations are already being merged with forces in Surrey, Hampshire and Thames Valley to make efficiency savings of about £ 1 million over the next three years.

Nick Dimmer, deputy chairman of Sussex Police Federation, said mergers would be preferable to losing frontline officers – with 69 officer posts already being axed this year.

He said: “It is very important that money that could be used elsewhere is put to use.

“It is a drain on finances.”

He said any agreement should ensure Sussex Police does not end up sharing the costs of claims against other forces.

He said: “If something was to happen in another force, the G20 demonstrations for instance, the claims may double or quadruple.”