Hertfordshire County Council has warned that Government proposals could strip around £50m from its budget – a move it says would have "a distinct and negative impact" on services across the county, including Hitchin.

Council leader Cllr Steve Jarvis has written to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner urging Ministers to rethink the Fair Funding Review 2.0, warning that the plans would unfairly penalise Hertfordshire.

According to council modelling, the proposed funding formula would see Hertfordshire lose between £47m and £54m – the equivalent of almost 10% of the county's adult care budget, nearly 20% of spending on children's services, or more than the entire annual cost of maintaining local highways and filling potholes.

Cllr Jarvis said the new formula failed to reflect the county's particular pressures, including the rising demand for adult social care and support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

"Our commitment to supporting residents is as strong as ever," he said. "But it is important to be clear that the Government's plans, as they stand, will have a significant impact on how we deliver the services residents need and value.

"We do not feel that the government's proposals are fair for the people of Hertfordshire, particularly when our net contribution to the economy is taken into account. We will use every way possible to make our position clear, standing up for the people of Hertfordshire and protecting their interests."

The council is calling for changes to the funding model, including recognition of rural deprivation – such as poor public transport, car dependency and limited access to health and social services – and for any implementation to be delayed until after wider local government reforms take place.

If the cuts go ahead, services relied on by Hitchin residents – from social care and children's support to road maintenance – could all be affected.