The Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the call-in of a decision regarding the future of library provision in Folkestone town centre. The committee considered the decision to proceed with the open market disposal of the Grace Hill building and to confirm 14 Sandgate Road as the new location for the Folkestone town centre Library and Registration service. After extensive debate, the committee resolved to recommend that the implementation of the decision be postponed pending review by the full Council.

Future of Library Provision in Folkestone Town Centre

The Scrutiny Committee convened to review Executive Decision 25/00104, concerning the future of library provision in Folkestone town centre and the Grace Hill building. The decision, taken by Paul Webb, Cabinet Member for Community & Regulatory Services, on 6 February 2026, proposed to reaffirm the commitment to a sustainable town-centre library and registration service, confirm 14 Sandgate Road as the location for the foreseeable future, and proceed with the open market disposal of the Grace Hill building.

The call-in request, submitted by several non-Executive Members, cited concerns regarding due consultation and a presumption in favour of openness and explanation of options considered. Councillor Prater, a member of Folkestone Town Council and Folkestone and Hythe District Council, argued that the closure of Grace Hill Library was due to years of underinvestment and that the partnership offer from Creative Folkestone, supported by One Folkestone, had not been adequately explored. He presented statements from both organisations indicating a lack of substantive engagement following their bid submission. Councillor Prater emphasised the community's strong attachment to the Grace Hill building, highlighting its unique architectural value and accessibility.

Councillor John Baker, Kent County Councillor for Folkestone West, echoed these sentiments, stating that it would be premature to proceed with disposal until all realistic alternatives had been fully explored, advocating for further structured engagement with Creative Folkestone and other interested parties.

Cabinet Member Paul Webb acknowledged the community's feelings but stated that the matter fell under infrastructure rather than service provision. He confirmed that discussions regarding Grace Hill were ongoing and not a fait accompli . He also highlighted the significant holding costs associated with the Grace Hill building, estimated at approximately £100,000 per year, which would be incurred during any potential two-year grant funding period.

Mr Dalton, from officers, provided background on the public consultation process in 2024 and the January 2025 interim key decision, explaining the framework for assessing proposals. He stated that the building had been marketed for 12 weeks and that officers had been available to provide information to interested parties.

During the debate, concerns were raised about the lack of detailed financial information, particularly regarding the reserve price for the auction of Grace Hill and a comparative analysis of the costs associated with 14 Sandgate Road versus Grace Hill. Members also questioned the extent of engagement with Creative Folkestone after their bid was submitted. Officers clarified that while engagement occurred during the development of proposals, there was no substantive discussion post-submission regarding the specifics of a deal.

The committee discussed the financial implications of holding the Grace Hill building, with estimates of £100,000 per year in holding costs. The potential for grant funding was discussed, with a suggestion that this could take up to two years. The proposal from Creative Folkestone was described as a novel one, involving a partnership to restore the building, with the freehold remaining with the Council and Creative Folkestone taking a lease.

Ultimately, the committee voted to recommend that the implementation of the decision be postponed pending review or scrutiny of the matter by the full Council (Option D). This recommendation was based on the strong community feeling, the potential for retaining Grace Hill as a community asset, and the desire for further exploration of partnership arrangements and grant funding opportunities. The committee acknowledged the need for a sustainable library service and the opening of the new facility at 14 Sandgate Road in May, but felt that more time was needed to fully assess the possibilities for Grace Hill.

Decision: The Scrutiny Committee resolved to recommend that the implementation of Executive Decision 25/00104 be postponed pending review or scrutiny of the matter by the full Council.

Background Documents:

• Call-in Item Covering Report - Folkestone Library Provision
• Call-in Request for Executive Decision 25.00104 - Future of Library provision in Folkestone town cen
• 25-00104 ROD
• 25-00104 Folkestone Library Decision Report
• 25-00104 Appendix B1 - 24-00116 - Decision Report
• 25-00104 Appendix B2 - 24-00116 - Record of Decision
• Public reports pack 03rd-Mar-2026 10.00 Scrutiny Committee
• Agenda frontsheet 03rd-Mar-2026 10.00 Scrutiny Committee

Attendees:

• Councillor Richard Streatfeild, MBE (Chair)
• Councillor Alister Brady (Vice-Chair)
• Councillor Wayne Chapman
• Councillor James Defriend
• Councillor Jeremy Eustace
• Councillor Antony Hook
• Councillor Mark Hood
• Councillor Sarah Hudson
• Councillor Terry Mole
• Councillor Trevor Shonk
• Councillor Garry Sturley
• Councillor Dean Truder
• Councillor John Constanti
• Councillor Michael Reidy
• Councillor Quentin Roper
• Councillor Rebecca Ainslie-Malik
• Councillor Holly Carter
• Councillor Martin Paul