The leader of Sutton Council has apologised after quoting inaccurate figures during a clash over the state of the borough's financial reserves, the Sutton Guardian has learned.

A private letter was sent to leader of the opposition Councillor Tim Crowley following an environment and neighbourhood committee two weeks ago but was later made public by a third party.

Liberal Democrat councillor Ruth Dombey argued with her Tory opponent after he criticised the council's 'stacking up' of reserves while seeking to cut and close services such as theatres.

In the letter, dated September 9, she wrote: "I had understood, wrongly, that the general fund reserve on its own of £15 million was less than the prudent minimum of 5 per cent.

"You challenged this figure and the officer present quite rightly confirmed that it is 9 per cent.

"I have taken a few days to understand how the confusion arose and it is clear that the correct figure, as you stated, is 9 per cent.

"I would like to apologise for my mistake."

Coun Dombey continued to defend the council's use of reserves to mitigate 'some of the difficult decisions that we have to make'.

She added reserves had been built up to meet 'different risks the council may face over the coming years whether it is the cost of future flood prevention works or the roof of a leisure centre'.

Coun Dombey wrote: "The financial risk associated with demographic growth over the next few years and the future volatility of demand from adult social care and children's services means that we have to be sure that we can cope with future demand.

"The new Care Act is likely to bring significant new costs with no guarantee of government funding.

"Like other local authorities, we are still requesting further details about the implications of the Care Act but we believe that in Sutton they could equate to a possible increase in demand for services of an extra £5m."

Coun Dombey declined an invitation from the Sutton Guardian to discuss the letter.

A council spokesman said: "The letter’s contents set out quite clearly what Ruth has to say.

"The only further point to add that this is complicated financial matter and there was no intention at all whatsoever to mislead."

Coun Crowley said: "I'm very pleased Ruth has apologised and realised she was wrong.

"The real issue here is they are stacking up more and more reserves."