KENT is confronting a staggering billion pound shortfall in funding for vital public services over the next ten years, Treasury chiefs were told at a top-level meeting.

The stark warning came as council leaders, health, police and fire chiefs joined forces with Kent MPs to press home a plea for the county not to be left out of pocket when it comes to investment in schools, hospitals, the police and other key services.

A delegation met treasury officials at a meeting at Westminster on Tuesday to highlight how Kent is at risk of a major squeeze on public spending that could compromise vital frontline services.

The summit was designed to ensure the Government takes account of the challenges facing Kent as the Treasury prepares to draw up its Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) for the next three years.

This review will set out how much the government intends to invest in public services, along with its spending priorities, between 2007 and 2010.

Consultants commissioned by Kent County Council estimate that based on the current levels of goverment grants and inflation rates, the authority faces a cumulative £1.2billion shortfall on what it needs to provide "essential services."

A 100-page report prepared for County Hall by consultancy firm Deloittes sets out Kent's case and some of the pressures that mean it needs extra cash.

Among them are the growing number of elderly residents, major increases in traffic, the Government's huge house-building programme and the need to pay higher wages to attract public sector staff away from London.

Cllr Paul Carter, leader of Kent County Council, said the joint delegation had made a powerful case.

He said: “We have drawn together evidence from various public services across Kent and the findings provide a firm foundation for some very positive working with the Government to address some of the funding shortfalls.”

"Kent has real areas of deprivation totally at odds with anything else found in the south east and suffers exceptional stresses and strains from being a gateway county. The number of older people living in Kent is also set to rise way above the national norm."

The meeting was hosted by Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark said: "I am delighted that Kent public services came together to produce this impressive report. I hope all Kent MPs and politicians of all parties will now work together to support the county's case and influence future funding."

Among those attending were Maidstone MP Ann Widdecombe and representatives of Ashford council, along with Kent Fire and Rescue.