Issue - meetings

Cabinet considered the report by Executive Director Place Services

Cabinet approved:

(1) the cessation of the mobile library services;

(2) the reduction in evening opening hours in the 4 main libraries with some minor adjustments elsewhere to ensure the offer is consistent across libraries from April 2020; and

(3) minor logistical changes that will impact working practices but not customers

The call-in deadline is 12 December 2019

16.1   Cabinet considered the report by Executive Director Place Services.

16.2   Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Fire & Rescue and Communities, introduced the report stating that he felt this saving proposal had the least impact on customers and provided reassurance that there were no plans to close any of the Counties libraries.  He also explained that much work had been done to look at the needs of vulnerable customers.

16.3   Mr Andrew Barratt-Miles, Chairman of Environment, Communities and Fire Select Committee stated that when previewed by Committee most members were in favour of the proposals, but concern was raised about vulnerable people, particularly in rural areas.  Concern was also raised as to whether this proposal would have any impact on the future delivery of Community Hubs.  The Committee did also request that the Cabinet Member ask Parish Councils to help assist vulnerable residents.

16.4   Mr Michael Jones, Leader of the Labour Group, confirmed that Select Committee support was not unanimous and that his group was opposed to this proposal.  He asked if consideration could be given to using a smaller, less costly vehicle to provide a mobile service.  He also raised concern about the community solution that he believed was not yet in place to support vulnerable residents.  Mr Jones stated he did not support the early closure of the main libraries.

16.5   Cabinet Members spoke in support of the proposals and praised services such as home library direct as a help to tackle social isolation and loneliness which were already in place.  Mr Crow confirmed this proposal would have no effect on the Community Hubs Project. Mr Crow also stated that replacing the vehicles would be expensive both in procurement time and purchase cost.  He also confirmed that the cost for a smaller vehicle would not be sufficiently less.

16.6   RESOLVED that Cabinet approve:

(1) the cessation of the mobile library services;

(2) the reduction in evening opening hours in the 4 main libraries with some minor adjustments elsewhere to ensure the offer is consistent across libraries from April 2020; and

(3) minor logistical changes that will impact working practices but not customers

Draft decision report by the Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue and Communities.

The Committee is asked to consider and comment on the proposals to cease the Mobile Library Service, and reduce evening opening hours in those static libraries where these currently apply.

118.1The Committee considered the draft decision report by the Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue and Communities (copy appended to the signed minutes).

118.2Lesley Sim, Head of Libraries, Heritage and Registration introduced the report with a presentation (copy appended to the signed minutes), which highlighted potential areas to make savings to meet the budget gap faced by the Library Service.

118.3The Committee made comments including those that follow. It:

·       Raised concerns regarding whether the loss of the mobile library service would result in more social isolation in rural areas but welcomed that support would be available to help the 50 or so people who would now have difficulty in accessing the Library Service.

·       Questioned whether the reduction in evening opening times was necessary in view of the very small savings that this would make.

118.4 Resolved – That the Committee

1.   Supports the proposal to remove the mobile library service providing sufficient mitigation is put in place.

2.   Suggests that more is done to publicise the Home Service

3.   Supports the proposal for 6pm closures but would like reassurance that this will not affect the Community Hubs strategy.