Lambeth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Lambeth Council leader Claire Holland denies claims of hiding £1m library cuts in a 10-page spreadsheet, following accusations from an activist.
Claire Holland expressed gratitude in the Labour authority’s “open and transparent” approach to the planned cuts to the £4.6 million library service budget.
On Monday, February 24, Cllr. Holland was addressing a cabinet meeting after campaigner Laura Swaffield accused her of concealing information about the library cuts in long cabinet documents.
Ms Swaffield said:
“Buried in the cabinet papers, all of a sudden come from nowhere—nobody knows who has put it in— [is] the devastating cut to the library service. It has been spotted. It’s not a good look as a council. People are furious.”
Cllr Holland retorted:
“I just want to talk about… the word ‘buried’. It [the information] is there. It’s printed. It’s not buried. There are over 400 pages of financial information there that we are being really open and transparent about. […] I’m really proud about how transparent and open we’re being as a council.”
The council has affirmed that the suggested savings do not include any proposals to shut libraries or shorten their hours of operation.
The council’s 2025–2026 budget includes £46.3 million in savings and revenue-generating measures, including the library service cuts.
In order to prevent cuts to the library service, Lambeth’s Green opposition has urged the Labour government to use developer funds that have not yet been used.
Nicole Griffiths, a councillor for the Green Party, informed the cabinet that the council had around £43 million in developer contributions that had not been used or distributed for ten years.
The Liberal Democrat opposition to the council expressed “concern” that the £1 million in anticipated library service cuts was left off of a previous list that council members had examined in December 2024.
Liberal Democrat councillor Matthew Bryant added:
“It’s such an incredibly valuable service to be cutting it at this stage is such a retro step for this administration.”
Cllr Holland said that this is now the worst funding crisis this council, and others across the country, have ever faced.
They need to be open with residents that saving this amount isn’t possible without having an impact on the services people rely on.
He added:
“Where possible, we have focused on finding savings through being more efficient, putting forward income generating proposals, and increasing our fees and charges in a way that’s fair within the current challenging financial situation.”
At a meeting in March, council members will vote on the Labour-run council’s 2025–2026 budget.
What specific services within the libraries will be affected by the cuts?
Lower staffing levels may result in more work for the remaining employees, which could affect the availability and quality of services.
Shorter working hours or less space for events and programs could be the outcome of this.
Spending less on new books, journals, and other materials is frequently the result of budget cuts. The variety and relevance of library collections may be restricted as a result.
Additionally, libraries may terminate database or magazine subscriptions, which would impair their ability to conduct research.
Budgetary restrictions may result in the reduction or elimination of community initiatives like author events, children’s storytime, or literacy classes.
Additionally, outreach programs like bookmobiles or collaborations with neighborhood associations may be affected.
Libraries may postpone computer or digital resource improvements, which may limit patrons’ access to contemporary tools and services.