Adrian Ramsay, MP for Waveney Valley calls on the Leader of Suffolk County Council to work in good faith with Suffolk Libraries.

Adrian Ramsay, MP for Waveney Valley and Co-Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, calls on the Leader of Suffolk County Council to work in good faith with Suffolk Libraries.

In a letter to Cllr Matthew Hicks - Conservative Leader of Suffolk County Council, Adrian Ramsay MP expressed serious concerns over the future of Suffolk’s library services following Suffolk County Council’s recent announcement to end Suffolk Libraries' contract with the council and bring the service back in-house.

Suffolk Libraries, an independent charity, has successfully operated the county’s library services for the past twelve years, keeping facilities open and expanding their services while nationally there have been nearly a thousand library closures since 2010. (source, source)

In the letter to Cllr Hicks, Adrian said, “Libraries are more than just book-lending spaces; they are vital community hubs." He continued, “Suffolk Libraries has provided award-winning services, including children’s activities and health and wellbeing initiatives, which residents cherish. Any decisions about their future must be made openly and in consultation with the communities that rely on them.”

Adrian highlighted that Suffolk Libraries has demonstrated strong financial governance and value for money while delivering essential services. The letter urges Cllr Hicks to work in good faith with Suffolk Libraries. In closing, he said, “I urge Suffolk County Council to work collaboratively with Suffolk Libraries to ensure this essential service's secure and sustainable future. “

ENDS