Millions of pounds could be made available for adult social care services in Hertfordshire after the decision to cease payments was rescinded “pending further consideration”.  

In December, Herts Valleys CCG - which commissions healthcare services in Watford, Hertsmere, Dacorum, Three Rivers and St Albans - informed Hertfordshire County Council that it would no longer be able to make additional financial contributions because of its own worsening financial situation.

However following the receipt of “further information and advice”, the group announced it would review the decision to cease £8.5m of funding it paid to the council in each of the last two years.

READ MORE: A&E waiting times 'likely to increase' in west Hertfordshire after £8.5m cuts to care budget 

In a statement, the group said: “The CCG continues to be under enormous pressure to review our expenditure for next year and subsequent years in the context of a deteriorating financial situation.

“However, we appreciate the importance of this decision and the need to make sure we fully consider all aspects. Just as the county council has a legal duty to provide social care, ours is to provide health care. 

“Whatever our decision about the additional contributions, we will continue to fulfil our statutory funding commitments to the county council, which amount to around £9.5m a year.”

The CCG’s investment committee will meet again on March 2 to decide whether it should make the additional contribution for the coming financial year.