The new Reform UK leadership at Essex County Council has announced plans to scrap controversial charges for reserving books at libraries across Essex, just days after winning control of the authority in the 2026 local elections.
The move comes after widespread criticism of the £1.15 reservation fee, which had only recently been introduced for most adult library users. Reform UK councillors described the charge as a “tax on reading and learning” and pledged to reverse the decision as one of their first major policy changes.
Reform UK secured a commanding victory in the Essex County Council elections earlier this month, taking control of the authority with 53 of the council’s 78 seats and ending more than two decades of Conservative leadership.
Under the previous administration, Essex libraries introduced the £1.15 charge in April 2026 for reserving physical books and other items. The council said the fee was intended to reduce waste and help cover transportation and administration costs after tens of thousands of reserved books reportedly went uncollected each year.
However, the charge quickly sparked backlash from campaigners, library users and community groups across Essex. Critics argued the fee risked discouraging reading, particularly for lower-income residents, elderly users and people living in rural areas with smaller library branches.
New Reform UK leader Councillor Peter Harris said the administration wanted a library service “which everyone in Essex can use without having to fork out for the privilege of doing so”. He added that removing the charge would support literacy and access to reading during the National Year of Reading 2026.
The decision to formally reverse the fee is expected to be approved at a full council meeting later this month.
Essex County Council operates 74 libraries across the county, including branches in Chelmsford, Braintree, Colchester, Basildon, Brentwood and Harlow. The authority says hundreds of thousands of books are borrowed and reserved every year through the service.
Campaigners who opposed the fee have welcomed the announcement, saying libraries should remain free and accessible community spaces for all residents.
The move comes after widespread criticism of the £1.15 reservation fee, which had only recently been introduced for most adult library users. Reform UK councillors described the charge as a “tax on reading and learning” and pledged to reverse the decision as one of their first major policy changes.
Reform UK secured a commanding victory in the Essex County Council elections earlier this month, taking control of the authority with 53 of the council’s 78 seats and ending more than two decades of Conservative leadership.
Under the previous administration, Essex libraries introduced the £1.15 charge in April 2026 for reserving physical books and other items. The council said the fee was intended to reduce waste and help cover transportation and administration costs after tens of thousands of reserved books reportedly went uncollected each year.
However, the charge quickly sparked backlash from campaigners, library users and community groups across Essex. Critics argued the fee risked discouraging reading, particularly for lower-income residents, elderly users and people living in rural areas with smaller library branches.
New Reform UK leader Councillor Peter Harris said the administration wanted a library service “which everyone in Essex can use without having to fork out for the privilege of doing so”. He added that removing the charge would support literacy and access to reading during the National Year of Reading 2026.
The decision to formally reverse the fee is expected to be approved at a full council meeting later this month.
Essex County Council operates 74 libraries across the county, including branches in Chelmsford, Braintree, Colchester, Basildon, Brentwood and Harlow. The authority says hundreds of thousands of books are borrowed and reserved every year through the service.
Campaigners who opposed the fee have welcomed the announcement, saying libraries should remain free and accessible community spaces for all residents.
Reform UK Essex
Essex County Council
Essex libraries
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