Hello everyone,

The judicial review judgement was in favour of the Libraries and that is down to all the support of 'you'.  It has been a long and rocky road but now there is a tiny glimmer of hope that our library (and all the libraries in the county) will have a chance.  The judge would like both sides to work together on this so that is a process to begin and let's hope for open minds and bright ideas.

Thank you one and all

The day has arrived and we are off to Birmingham Admin. Court tomorrow and Friday (26th. and 27th. July).  

The sessions tomorrow starts at 9.30am so anyone who is coming needs to be there around 9.00am if at all possible.

The more the merrier - to show that we care.

We're taking NCC on!

DRAFT

Lawyers Issue Judicial Review Application As Fight To Save Libraries Progresses to the High Court

Northamptonshire Residents Have Urged The Council To Reconsider Its Decision To Close 21 Libraries

Specialist lawyers instructed by the family of a young girl have issued an application for a judicial review against Northamptonshire County Council, as they continue the fight to save 21 libraries marked for closure by the council.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell had previously written to Northamptonshire County Council both before and after its final decision was made at the end of February, urging it not to close the libraries, or potentially face a judicial review in the High Court.

The council announced  its final decision to close the 21 libraries in February, as part of a cost cutting exercise. The council anticipates that closing the libraries will reduce council expenditure.

The local authority has not agreed to review or revise its decision and therefore judicial review proceedings were issued at the High Court in London on 29 March 2018. 

Caroline Barrett, a specialist lawyer for Irwin Mitchell representing the family, that cannot be named for legal reasons, said: “We have been instructed to act on behalf of a minor and their family as they seek to challenge Northamptonshire County Council’s decision to shut 21 libraries across the county. Many people using the library services are children, or are elderly, disabled, or from low income households, and they may struggle to access the library provision in larger towns.

“These cuts are extensive and our client is concerned that this will have a very significant impact upon their ability to access a library service and the impact on local residents, many of whom live in rural areas. Our clients believe, if implemented, these cuts will have a huge detrimental impact on the local community in Northamptonshire. 

“We have lodged an application with the High Court for a judicial review and an urgent hearing. Our client considers  that the council failed to carry out a lawful public consultation into the proposals, has not conducted a full and lawful assessment of how vulnerable people will be affected, has not considered how to promote and safeguard the welfare of local children, has not taken into account various factors that should have impacted upon its decision, and has failed to comply with its duty to ensure there is a comprehensive library service in the county. All councils must comply with this duty, and our client considers that a closure of over half the county’s libraries will not result in a comprehensive library service.”

The council’s decision has already received widespread criticism. In March, the Government’s culture secretary Matt Hancock announced he was considering an inquiry into the decision following a complaint from Cilip, the leading professional body for librarians.

According to Cilip, the council’s plan would leave the county with 15 libraries, eight large and seven medium branches. This would equate to one library for every 60,000 residents, which is significantly greater than the European average of one library for every 16,000 residents.

The family that is being represented by Irwin Mitchell make extensive use of one of the 21 libraries set to close, attending playgroups and children’s centre activities.

The minor’s mother and litigation friend, said: “These cuts are not fair. They will have a devastating impact on families like ourselves, but also on the most vulnerable people within our community.

“The libraries offer us so much more than just books. They offer residents access to the relevant district council’s one-stop shop, blue badge and bus pass renewal, children’s services and plenty more services that residents rely on. I appreciate the council is in a difficult financial position but I do not think the impact of these cuts have been properly considered by the council, and the effect that this will have on local communities.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For further information, pictures and interview requests please contact the Irwin Mitchell press office on 0114 274 4666.

About Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell is over 100 years old and is one of the largest law firms in the UK. 

Last year Irwin Mitchell merged with Thomas Eggar LLP expanding its presence in London and the South East and has also acquired specialist Personal Injury firm MPH Solicitors and private wealth firm Berkeley Law in the past few years.

The firm is ranked as a market-leading personal legal services firm in the independent Legal 500 and Chambers UK guides to UK law with over 100 lawyers personally recommended.

Irwin Mitchell Scotland LLP is a separate Scottish legal practice regulated by the Law Society of Scotland and has an office in Glasgow.

For more information visit www.irwinmitchell.com.