AUTHORS have reacted with dismay to the announcement that children are to be charged for returning library books late.

Brighton and Hove City Council has decided to raise income from youngsters' library fees with Labour councillor Kevin Allen, saying young children needed to learn to take responsibility for their actions.

But writers have expressed their disappointment at the move. Sharon Duggal, whose novel The Handsworth Times was recently selected as this year's City Reads book in Brighton, called the decision "appalling".

The Brighton-based author said the announcement would hit poorer families hardest and discourage them from visiting the library.

"It won't affect those children whose parents can easily afford to buy books or pay fines but those that come from more challenging circumstances, where money is tight, parents are busy and access to books isn't a priority.

"The library is one of the few places where all children, whatever their background, can enjoy books and all the benefits they bring on an equal basis.

"Sadly, this decision will put some children and families off from taking books out, and once again it will be the poorest in society that are affected."

The maximum fine per book will be £2.50.

Children's author Giles Paley-Phillips, whose debut book The Fearsome Beastie won the People's Book Prize in 2012, said that "penalising families in this way is not helpful or fair".

The Seaford-based writer said: "I'd be very sad to see this happen.

"It would definitely put families off. The great thing at the moment is that you can take out multiple titles and there are no penalties – the library sends reminders for late books.

"Libraries need to be encouraging families and young people to use them more, and I think this be a huge misstep particularly for families on lower incomes who cannot afford to buy their children books."