Warning over library cuts

Cash-strapped councils are cutting library services without sufficient regard for their legal duty to maintain “comprehensive and efficient” provision, a cross-party group of MPs has warned.

Town halls must be given clearer guidance about the requirements to provide libraries so that they do not leave themselves open to costly judicial reviews, the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee said.

There have been reports of up to 600 library closures across England as councils struggle with a 28 per cent fall in income between 2011-12 and 2014-15, although ministers say the figure is smaller.