Surrey County Council is spending millions of pounds less every year than it would take to maintain the county’s roads and paths at their current deteriorated standard.

Until 2021, the council has budgeted £15.3million a year - £4.7million less than the council’s own estimates of what it would take.

The council also estimates it would take £754million to repair the roads and paths completely – £50million a year for 15 years, which is £34.7million more than the current spend.

This information was given at a full council meeting after a question from the opposition spokesman for highways, Councillor Stephen Cooksey,

Cllr Cooksey said: "The fact that Surrey's roads and footways are in such a dreadful condition is not news to our residents who have to drive over many potholes every day. That £754 million of spending is needed to bring them up to a decent standard is quite shocking.”

He also asked cabinet member for highways, Colin Kemp, whether he had asked MPs what more could be done about it.

Cllr Kemp said the council had contacted MPs, and they are looking into what more can be done.

A Freedom of Information request recently revealed the county council paid out more than £450,000 in compensation in 2017 to drivers with damaged vehicles or injuries because of potholes.