Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council has been speaking after the body admitted there will be a £23.5m shortfall in finances for 2022-23.

As reported by Letchworth Nub News the latest forecast of council finances estimates a shortfall of £23.5 million for the 2022-23 tax year and ongoing pressures for future years – despite having set a balanced budget for the next two years as recently as February.  

The challenging environment has been caused by soaring inflation affecting the whole economy, resulting in greatly increased costs alongside high post Covid demand for key services such as supporting children with special educational needs. 

The war in Ukraine and Russia restricting gas supplies means that global uncertainty is having a huge impact closer to home.

"Financially, the council is a very well managed organisation, making a great start to the financial year with a balanced budget," says Mr Roberts, county council supremo.

"Last year we came out of the pandemic able to offer a significant Covid recovery package supporting many residents and businesses across the county and investing in services our residents value.

"However the last six months have seen global events outside our control unfold, with everyone in the country now dealing with increases in the cost-of-living.

"This was why we set out our 'Cost of Living' support in July. Our residents are struggling with rising bills and we, like every council in the country, are facing a similar picture."

Mr Roberts added that the council will also be doing everything it can to offer support to its most vulnerable residents and offer much needed advice and guidance for everyone.

He also said that he will be writing to the new Prime Minister congratulating her, adding: "I will be asking that she considers the pressures we face as she balances need across the country and also working with the Local Government Association (LGA) and County Councils Network (CCN) to make representations on behalf of the county. 

"At a time when our residents and businesses are facing unprecedented challenges I want our services to continue to be efficient, helpful and above all tied in closely with our partner district councils, voluntary and faith organisations. Only together can we get through this."

The Resources panel will take place on 14 Sept and can be viewed at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/watchmeetings and any resident wanting support with cost of living can find advice, resources and links of what is already available via this web page www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/costofliving