FOLLOWING serious concerns over a shortfall in funding, Hertfordshire County Council has managed to claw back £700,000 from the Government's final grant settlement.

The county will now receive a total of £813.4 million for 2002, an increase of around £57 million on last year.

But it is predicted that council tax is still likely to go up by as much as ten per cent.

Councillor David Beatty, executive member for resources, said: "This additional £700,000 may seem a small amount, but every little helps.

"It adds up to 26 social workers, 30 firefighters or 25 teachers.

"Thanks are due to local MPs, headteachers and all those who lobbied the Government on our behalf."

Despite the increase, the county council still feels overall government handouts are well short of its predicted spending for the next financial year.

It expects to have to raise council tax by up to 10 per cent at a meeting at County Hall next Thursday.

The cabinet's decision to put aside £4.5 million in a special contingency fund is expected to stand as uncertainty over extra funding continues.

Mr Beatty said: "I am still awaiting a reply to my letter to Stephen Byers, secretary of state for transport, highlighting the problems caused by lack of clarity over funding and what this means for the people of Hertfordshire."