As budget cuts loom, the Liberal Democrats have called for assurances that there will be no feather bedding for Hertfordshire county councillors.

Liberal Democrat Opposition Leader Chris White said: ‘Councillor allowances will have to be looked at alongside all other savings. But there are some quick wins which could be implemented straightaway.

‘For instance county councillors receive a three course lunch on county council days. This does not really help county councillors do their business and actually wastes time. But more importantly it costs £5,000 a year. This could be abolished now.

‘Likewise other spending on hospitality – from the Chairman’s bar to the Chairman’s garden party – could be pared right back.

‘On top of all this the county council is spending £46,000 on press releases advertising the fact that a county councillor has made a donation to a local group. Any decent county councillor can advertise that sort of thing (if it really needs advertising) him or herself. It would also improve the credibility of the county council which is now boring the local press with dozens of pointless press releases.’