Controversial plans to privatise some roles at West Midlands Police have been thrown into doubt.

The Police Authority has voted to defer a decision on the proposals until the new Police Commissioner is in place in November.

Yet police say cash for the project will run out at the end of September.

The Authority made the decision after Surrey Police voted to suspend its part in the privatisation process just a few hours before the meeting in the West Midlands on Thursday.

The move followed news that G4S, one of the potential partners for the scheme, had not recruited enough guards for the Olympic Games.

West Midlands Police had published a business case for the Business Partnering for Police programme on Thursday, which was approved with a majority vote.

However, the selection of private partners was deferred for the incoming commissioner.

Wolverhampton’s Labour Councillor Bob Jones proposed the deferment. He said: “I personally think that we are not in a position to proceed.

“In light of the new circumstances I do not think it would be possible without significant risk.”

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: “The programme will have to stop on September 29 because it does not have the funding.”

In a statement released after the meeting the force said: “The West Midlands Police Authority decided to defer any decision of the selection of partners until the election of the Police and Crime Commissioner in November.

“Work will continue on the West Midlands programme so the new PCC (Police and Crime Commissioner) has a range of options when he or she takes office.”

Chairman of the West Midlands Police Federation, Ian Edwards, said: “I applaud Surrey for taking a very sensible approach.

“The whole process should now be stopped in the West Midlands and no more money should be wasted on it.”