Ahead of the upcoming county council elections on May 4, we asked each party to submit details of their manifesto pledges. 

This is the response we received from Leon Reefe, leader of the Labour group.

This year’s County Council elections show stark differences between the main parties, how they value Public Services and how the Tories, in particular, have failed Hertfordshire’s residents 

Hertfordshire County Labour party has focused on the state of those services and how they should be provided; to meet the expectations of residents who demand excellent services in return for their Council Tax contribution. 

Because of massive cuts to Adult Care, the NHS, street lights, buses, road maintenance, flood defences, children's services and education, the lack of support from Government and the slavish adherence to now discredited austerity by the Tories, has put all of these services at risk. 

A Labour administration will make better choices with the public’s money; after all it is theirs, to benefit all and most at risk. Labour is also committed to extending the London Freedom Pass for those Hertfordshire residents who qualify. 

These services are a priority for a Labour administration. We would begin saving many millions by looking to stop the outsourcing of public services for private profit, 

On May 4 there is a stark and very real choice. Vote Labour and stop Hertfordshire becoming the "County of the bare minimum". Not more of the same.

Leon Reefe added: "The Tories have managed to turn, what was a real County of Opportunity", into a a place where if you are elderly, young, struggling to make ends meet or ill, you will not be cared for properly.

"Our NHS and Care services are at bursting point because the have slavishly adhered to Tory Government cuts.

"There is a distinct lack of ability in the Tory administration to, "think outside the box" because of their obsession in outsourcing public services to privateers for profit. This is public money and should be maximised for the public."

We will be bringing you live coverage of the count as it happens on the evening of Thursday, May 4.