Agenda item

The Cabinet Member (Strategic Housing and Support Services) submitted a report presenting:-

-    The summarised outcomes following the second public consultation on the library service;

-    The outcomes of the Mott Macdonald (Management Consultants) “options development – impact assessment” research;

-    The two possible options for the shape of the library service for the future:

OPTION 1:

-    Retain three Libraries (Plus Service Wide Team to deliver the Core Service offer):Bury Library and Archives, Ramsbottom Library and Prestwich Library

OPTION 2:

 - Retain four libraries (plus Service Wide Team to deliver the Core         Service Offer): Bury Library and Archives, Ramsbottom Library, Prestwich Library and Radcliffe Library.

The Chair invited questions from the members of the public present.

Gary Hardman (Seedfield TRA) – The local community libraries help people to feel comfortable and empowered. Libraries have helped local people with events and to set up groups and are a valuable asset to their area. The Mott McDonald report appears to be flawed because usage has been measured on library membership and not users of library services and events. Would the Council consider a third option of closing two or more main libraries and using the resources to develop services in local community libraries?

Councillor Walmsley thanked Mr Hardman for his question and explained that the report recommended a public consultation on two options but would enable other suggestions to be put forward. In producing the report options it had been recognised that nationally book lending rates are down and Bury libraries must evolve their service offer to reflect the age range of the current users and meet requirements to attract new and younger users. This would include the provision of a comprehensive range of services including IT and digital packages.

Rob Trueblood – People will only travel to the library if the services and facilities offered there are worth it. Many people currently make good use of Bury Library because of its location across the road from the Job Centre. In order to make Bury Library a usable asset, will the Council increase the reading stock and space for browsing, enhance the IT facilities and ensure there is sufficient staff numbers to run the service and make it a premier destination?

Councillor Walmsley welcomed the question and explained that the Council has a statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. The public consultation will allow the Council to establish the needs and requirements of Bury residents and develop the service accordingly.

Nicola Haydock (Bury Green Party) – In view of the large financial investment made by the Council to establish the Bury Sculpture Centre and the low number of new visitors it has attracted and income it has generated; would the Council consider using the space taken by the Sculpture Centre as part of the options in Library public consultation?

Councillor Walmsley reported that the Council is looking at income generation in all areas but the Bury Sculpture Centre was not part of the review that has taken place on Libraries and was not included in the public consultation process.

Delegated decisions:

1.     That Option 1 and Option 2, as detailed in the report submitted, be presented as the options for the public consultation.

2.     That the final report be submitted to the meeting of Cabinet on 26 April 2017, to allow the public consultation to be 12 weeks. 

3.     That approval be given to the proposed new Timeline:-

·         Public Consultation on proposed models/options for change -

30 January – 10 April 2017

·         Final Report to Cabinet on decisions to be taken -

26 April 2017

·         Staff consultation - 1 May 2017 to June 2017 

·         Implementation of proposals - From 1 July 2017

Reasons for the decision:

The Council must review its services and find ways of delivering savings over the next four years. The Council has a statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service.

Other option considered and rejected:

To reject the recommendations.        

Note: Councillors I Gartside and T Pickstone voted against the recommendation.