Solomon Elliott fought back at loss of “last free spaces”

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Devon County Council has reversed plans to cut 380 weekly staffed hours across local libraries and instead pledged a £2 million investment to improve services following a campaign driven by residents and local leaders. This decision highlights a rare instance of successful public opposition amid widespread library closures and funding cuts across the UK.

In response to proposed cuts to library services across Devon, a local campaign has successfully persuaded Devon County Council to reverse plans to reduce staffing hours and invest in its library network instead. The proposed changes, announced in December 2025, aimed to save £650,000 annually by cutting 380 weekly staffed hours across 43 of the county’s 50 libraries, prompting widespread concern among residents.

Solomon Elliott, a former English teacher and school governor, became a leading figure opposing the cuts. He voiced concerns about the impact on families, the elderly, and job seekers, emphasizing the role libraries play as free public spaces fostering learning and community engagement. Elliott’s campaign, Save Devon’s Libraries, began as a Facebook group and soon expanded to include protests and outreach to library staff and local residents.

The council’s consultation on the proposals drew significant scrutiny. Elliott criticized it as misleading, arguing that although the council claimed no decisions had been made, the suggested staffing reductions indicated a predetermined outcome. Library workers reportedly felt demoralized and hesitant to oppose the cuts publicly, believing the changes were inevitable. Elliott sought cross-party support and engaged Members of Parliament in Devon, securing backing from Central Devon MP Sir Mel Stride, as well as pro bono legal advice concerning the consultation’s adherence to fair public consultation principles under the Gunning rules.

A public demonstration held at County Hall in Exeter in February attracted residents from across Devon. By the consultation's close on February 22, it had generated over 25,000 responses, the highest number recorded in the council’s history. Shortly thereafter, during the council’s budget meeting, the £650,000 savings target linked to library staffing was abandoned.

Further progress came in May when the council’s cabinet voted unanimously to maintain current staffed hours at all libraries and announced a £2 million investment fund for library improvements. Additional measures include allocating an extra £100,000 for new books and eliminating fines for overdue items.

Council leader Julian Brazil stated that the consultation was conducted in good faith, noting the volume of public feedback and the council’s consideration of all responses. However, Elliott remains skeptical, suggesting the council only adopted these measures after intense public pressure.

The outcome represents a rare win for library advocates at a time when public libraries across the UK have faced significant reductions. A 2024 investigation found that nearly 200 council-run libraries had either closed or been transferred to volunteer management since 2016, with thousands of jobs lost, underscoring ongoing challenges for community library services.