Lambeth’s libraries saved from Green Party cuts!

Lib Dems halt Green Party cuts to our local libraries in Lambeth.

Local libraries are a critical part of our community.  It’s where children discover a love of reading, students study, job seekers find work, and residents access vital digital services.

In July, the Green Party’s own Cabinet set out “the significant management action being taken to reduce the Council’s forecast overspend” (page 23) including “the reduction of libraries opening times” (page 43).  

This was a shock because the Green Party had promised in their 2026 Lambeth election manifesto to “restore funding” to Lambeth’s libraries!

We also learnt that Lambeth was planning to cut the Head Librarian of Lambeth. 

This followed many years of Labour cuts to libraries, in the face of Liberal Democrat opposition.  

After writing to the Green Party three times, urging them to change their plans, they finally u-turned.  They confirmed on 15th September that the proposals to reduce opening hours on Sundays and Mondays had been removed from the council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy.  The responsible Cabinet Member also agreed to meet with Liberal Democrat libraries spokesperson, Councillor Tam Langley.

Given the recent history of cuts to libraries, first from Labour, and then most recently proposed by the Green Party, Liberal Democrats will continue to follow developments closely.