According to The Bookseller, the Conservative-run Kent County Council are considering outsourcing more than 90 libraries. They would still own the libraries but bodies such as trusts, arms-length companies and joint ventures would run them helping save on the £13m budget the council had for library and archive services this year.

The City of York implemented a similar scheme and their libraries are now run by a mutual benefit society (Explore York Libraries and Archives) supported by the council.

As it looks to make future savings, Kent County Council is currently undertaking a wholesale review of its services.

Cornwall Council leader Alec Robertson is to step down after a vote of no confidence