Agenda item

'Save Lincolnshire Libraries'

Minutes:

In accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme Ms Leah Warriner-Wood spoke for not more than five minutes in explanation of the contents of the petition in support of Save Lincolnshire Libraries.

 

The Chairman reported that the Executive Director Performance and Governance had determined that the petition would be referred to the Executive.  This gained more than 3,500 signatures and so, in accordance with the Council's Constitution a debate on this petition took place.

 

The Chairman reminded the Council that the final decision on the library proposals would be made by the Executive.  Councillors were subsequently invited to debate the issues raised as part of the petition.

 

Two additional motions on libraries had also been submitted and the Chairman determined that these would be debated at the same time as the Save Lincolnshire Libraries petition.

 

Motion by Councillor J D Hough

 

It was moved and seconded that:-

 

'This Council notes the Executive’s plans to reduce the number of libraries operated by the County Council from 44 to 14 and to withdraw 286 mobile library stops, and acknowledges that there is a significant level of public opposition.

 

Libraries provide knowledge, information, enjoyment, learning, expertise, and the opportunity for all to widen their horizons, pursue their interests, do their homework and benefit from the expertise of the staff.  They offer IT opportunities for the wider community.

 

For children in particular, they provide an opportunity to develop a love of learning, to experience a wide range of books and to develop the ability to read not just for learning but for pleasure throughout their lives.

 

The benefits of libraries are many, whether they are in buildings or in a mobile that local people come to rely on, that may only appear in a remote Lincolnshire village once a month.

 

Much has been made about the necessity of saving £2million pounds a year. However, Libraries and Heritage has already made substantial savings.  Within the overall council budget of £1 billion, money - £2 million – can be found so that the library service can be comprehensively and efficiently maintained, and the statutory duty fulfilled.

 

This Council therefore asks the Executive, when it comes to make a decision following the consultation, to rethink its plans in the light of all the feedback, including petitions and comments made during debates in the Council.'

 

 

 

Motion by Councillor S L W Palmer

 

It was moved and seconded that:-

 

'The Executive is currently looking to save around £2million from the Libraries budget and has launched a consultation on proposals.  Those proposals have generated significant adverse publicity.  The proposals were drafted without any input from local Members. The consultation runs until 30 September.

 

We propose that:

 

A cross-party working group is set up to make recommendations that will enable this Council to fulfil its statutory obligation whilst retaining a professional, comprehensive and efficient library service including the following terms of reference:

 

·         To consider the results of the consultation

·         To find ways of making savings in the running of the service

·         To look for opportunities for working with partners whilst retaining control of libraries

·         To fully explore volunteer involvement

·         To investigate alternative revenue streams

 

The working group is to consult with the executive and bring the proposals back for debate to a meeting of Full Council in December 2013.'

 

An amendment to the final paragraph of the motion moved by Councillor J D Hough was moved and seconded as follows:

 

'The Council therefore asks the Executive, when it comes to make a decision following the consultation, to confirm that it will take due account of all the feedback, including petitions and comments made during debates in the Council'

 

The amendment, upon being put to the vote was carried.

 

An amendment to the motion moved by Councillor S L W Palmer was moved and seconded as follows:

 

'The Executive is currently looking to save around £2million from the Libraries budget and has launched a consultation on proposals.  Those proposals have generated significant adverse publicity.  The proposals were drafted without any input from local Members.  The consultation runs until 30 September.

 

We propose that:

 

The cross-party Scrutiny Committee invites participation from all non-Executive Councillors when they consider the results of the consultation, the proposed Portfolio Holder's response and subsequent recommendation to the December Executive.'

 

The amendment, upon being put to the vote was carried.

 

The two amendments became the substantive motion, and upon being put to the vote, was carried.

 

 
 
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