Request to defer decision on cuts to libraries
BBCAny decisions on highly controversial changes to library services in Devon could now be deferred.
More than 25,000 people have taken part in a major public consultation into the future of Devon's libraries - looking at potential cuts to opening hours, more volunteer recruitment and working with parish councils to manage libraries.
Devon County Council's cabinet was due to make a decision about what should happen on 20 May.
It emerged on Wednesday however, that responses from the public consultation are still being analysed and councillors on a committee which scrutinises council decisions called for any decision to be postponed.
Devon County Council announced in 2025 it was considering cuts to opening hours, getting more volunteers involved in running libraries and allowing access to libraries without staff present.
The consultation into the service, run by charity Libraries Unlimited, ran from 1 December 2025 until 22 February.
More than 6,000 people said they would be interested in volunteering, with 70% in favour of extending opening hours - possibly through technology which allowed members access to libraries outside staffed opening hours.
Members of the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee described the report prepared on what could happen to library services as "half-baked".
Jess Bailey, Independent councillor for Otter Valley, said it would be "totally unacceptable" for the issue to be decided by cabinet without the plans having been properly scrutinised.
Councillors also recommended that proposed changes "do not include a reduction in statutory operating hours" and asked for "meaningful involvement from local communities for each library".
The committee also expressed concern about plans being made now for the future of the library service in Devon, when Devon County Council will be abolished with a government announcement expected in July on what will replace it.
An interim report into the findings of the consultation said there was "widespread concern" that "reducing staffed hours would undermine the role of libraries as safe community spaces".
It also noted "strong opposition to reductions in opening hours, particularly where this would affect children, older residents and those without transport".
It will now be up to the council's cabinet to decide whether or not to press ahead with making a decision on 20 May.
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