Council responds to public criticism with 'bright future' plan for Suffolk's libraries

Why it matters: The council's response comes as opposition councillors have called for "urgent talks" with Suffolk Libraries and a petition against the takeover approaches 20,000 signatures.

The big picture: Suffolk County Council has published a Cabinet paper outlining its vision for library services in Suffolk and an open letter responding to Suffolk Libraries' earlier criticisms, though parts have been redacted. The council says this was at Suffolk Libraries' request.

By the numbers: The council has promised:

• All 45 libraries to remain open

• Current opening hours to be maintained

• Job security for all frontline staff

• More than £350,000 in new investments, including mobile library vehicles, computers and books

Last week: Suffolk Libraries CEO Bruce Leeke published an open letter and video message addressing what he calls "inaccurate statements and figures" used by the council to justify its decision.

The charity directly challenges several council claims, including:

• Funding: Suffolk Libraries states it now operates on £6.8m annually, down from £8.1m in 2012/13 – approximately £3m less per year than before the charity took over from Suffolk County Council.

• Management costs: Suffolk Libraries says key management staff account for 7.7% of total payroll - "not 33%" as claimed by the council - and these figures have been "verified by independent auditors".

• Opening hours: The charity acknowledges it "had to reluctantly consider reducing opening hours" due to inflation and budget pressures, but disputes the council's claim of a proposed 30% reduction.

Council responds: "Bringing the Suffolk Library Service in-house not only ensures that all 45 libraries remain open, with no reduction in hours, but also creates significant opportunities for us to modernise and enhance the service," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

"These library spaces will continue to serve as community hubs, providing seamless integration with other public services and ensuring that Suffolk's residents can access the help they need, when they need it."

The council also argues that Suffolk Libraries' negotiation approach "undermined the procurement process" by "demanding more money whilst simultaneously proposing significant cost reductions through library opening hour cuts."

Behind the scenes: The council claims Suffolk Libraries has refused permission to publish certain financial information, forcing part of the March 18 meeting to be held in private – a move the council describes as "highly unusual" and "at odds with its approach to transparent, open and honest conversations."

For context: Suffolk Libraries has operated the county's library service since 2012, when it was established following public opposition to planned library closures. The current contract expires in May 2025.

What's next: If approved on March 18, the library service would return to council management from June 1, 2025. The council says it is "happy to meet" with Suffolk Libraries to "clear up any misunderstandings."

The bottom line: The council promises expanding services and no reduction in library hours or locations, hoping its vision will reassure residents concerned about the future of Suffolk's libraries. However, with strong public support for Suffolk Libraries and the petition against the takeover continuing to gain traction, the final decision—whatever the outcome—will remain contentious.