FEARS have emerged this week that Hertfordshire residents could face a substantial council tax increase because of government under-funding.

County councillors have accused the Government of underestimating the true cost of providing services in Hertfordshire, leaving residents to meet a £28 million deficit through tax hikes of up to ten per cent.

In a stark warning to his fellow members Councillor David Beatty, executive member for resources, said: "We have grave concerns about this year's government funding.

"About two thirds of the county council's budget comes from central government and we are troubled that they appear not to be aware of all the additional pressures on our budget this year.

"At the moment it looks as though we will be under-funded by government to the extent of some £28 million.

"This means an increase of ten per cent on council tax just to keep services at their present level and meet the cost of additional pressures," he warned.

County insists that its resources are being stretched further than ever because the Government has failed to consider the costs of implementing its own legislation.

Councillors also blame ministers for ignoring the 1,000 additional primary and secondary school places established by county or the costs of providing support for some 480 extra elderly and disabled residents.

Councillors plan to lobby every MP in the county to get their support before meeting with government officers in a last ditch attempt to secure an increase.

Councillor Beatty said: "We are all in agreement about the need for justice for Hertfordshire and all three political parties will be working together to protect services.

"Hertfordshire has a good track record for effective and efficient financial management but we can't perform miracles.

"We want to continue to provide good services quality education for our children and the highest standards of care for vulnerable people and we need sufficient funding to do so."

The county council's sentiments were echoed by St Albans MP Kerry Pollard, who has pledged his full support to the campaign for greater funding.

He said: "Whatever the council wants me to do I will do it four square. Whatever they need to secure resources for residents in the county I am right behind them as I 'm sure MPs from every party are."

Mr Pollard said it was clear that councillors felt they needed more money. "If they are saying that's not enough to provide the services they want then I accept that," he said.

October 25, 2001 20:15

Shannon Price