Why it matters: The dispute is heating up with less than two weeks until Suffolk County Council's crucial March 18 vote on bringing library services back in-house, while a petition opposing the move has gathered nearly 14,000 signatures at the time of writing.
The details: Suffolk Libraries CEO Bruce Leeke released 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.
What they're saying: "This threatens not only the future of Suffolk Libraries but the future of YOUR library service," Leeke stated in the open letter.
"We are deeply disappointed that justification for the county council's proposal has been based on the use of inaccurate statements and figures, which suggest that the decision is fundamentally flawed."
The other side: Councillor Andrew Faircloth-Mutton previously cited "serious concerns" over "both the strategic direction and the financial management of Suffolk Libraries" and pledged additional investment if the takeover proceeds.
For context: Suffolk Libraries has operated the county's library service since 2012, following public opposition to plans to close several libraries. The current contract expires in May 2025.
The charity claims it secures "up to £1.5m" in additional project funding and savings annually that the council "will be unable to access" if services are brought back in-house.
What's next: Suffolk Libraries is urging residents to sign the petition and contact their local councillors before the March 18 decision.
The charity has pledged to "work openly and constructively" with the council to ensure a smooth transition if the takeover proceeds.
The bottom line: With the petition now exceeding 13,000 signatures, public support could still influence the council's final decision on the future of Suffolk's library services.
