The quality of services for Hertfordshire's vulnerable children, elderly and disabled people may be at risk as a result a lack of funding for the county council's social services department.

In the light of a survey claiming that chronic under-funding is putting social services at risk nationwide, Hertfordshire County Council's executive member for adult care services, Councillor Jane Pitman, has warned that Hertfordshire's most vulnerable residents face losing out.

She has called for more money from central Government to maintain the quality of services offered.

According to the recently-announced results of the survey carried out in January by local government bodies the Association of Directors of Social Services and the Local Government Association increasing demand is outstripping the capacity of chronically under-funded local authorities to provide services.

Councillor Pitman said: "We welcome the findings of the survey, which reinforce what we have been saying all along.

"In December, a cross-party lobby of councillors and MPs from Hertfordshire warned that unless the Government reconsidered its proposed financial settlement for the county it would mean our most vulnerable residents losing out.

"The survey revealed that most local authorities are coping by prioritising those in the greatest need, which sadly means that many who need care will be left to fend for themselves."

According to county Councillor John Metcalf, who represents north Borehamwood, financial constraints meant the criteria allowing people to access services were more stringent than he would like.

He said: "We do not like having these strict criteria that you have to be in dire need before you get a service."

Referring to elderly people, he added: "The sort of care we can not afford is help with shopping, cleaning and companionship someone popping in to see they are okay. They have to be really in danger before they are cared for."

People in south east Hertfordshire, including Hertsmere, are also waiting longer than they should be to be assessed by the county council for care, according to a county council report.

At least 80 per cent of people referred should have their needs assessed within 28 days, but in south east Hertfordshire less than 50 per cent of referrals are responded to in this time.