Agenda item

a.  That the strategic service plan for Slough library services (2022 to 2027) (Appendix C to the report) be agreed.

b.  That it be agreed to reduce the current library publication budget from £220,500 to £90,000 per annum to align our spend just within the CIPFA most similar group rather than towards the top of it.

c.  That it be agreed that for a minimum period of 12 months the library service operates from the current buildings in which libraries are accommodated (Langley Library, Cippenham Library, Britwell Hub and The Curve) with a reduction in the opening hours and hours when specialist library staff will be in attendance as described in paragraph 2.19 of the report.

d.  Agreed that an interim report be brought back to Cabinet by December 2022 and a full report in 12 months to provide an update and make recommendations for future options to deliver library services within the Council’s current constrained financial position.

The Cabinet considered a report that set out the results of the public consultation into the future of statutory library services in Slough and taken together with the existing Needs Assessment, made recommendations about the future delivery model of the library service in Slough.

The Council had a duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service and the report set out the review process that had been undertaken.  The Cabinet noted the equalities impact assessment; consultation results; petition on Langley library which had 1,348 signatures; and the discussion at the Customer & Community Scrutiny Panel.  The main proposals were to approve the strategic service plan for Slough library services 2022 to 2027 as at Appendix C to the report; and agree that for a minimum period of 12 months the library service operate from the current buildings (Langley library, Cippenham library, Britwell hub and The Curve), with a reduction in opening hours.  Reduced hours from current locations was the preferred option from the consultation results.

Lead Members asked a range of questions and discussed various aspects of the report which are summarised as follows

·  In response to a question on the responses received from the consultation, the Officer explained that there was around 2,500 responses to the initial consultation and an additional 2,500 responses from young people who provided comments that are captured in Appendix F to the report.  Lead Members welcomed the extensive consultation and engagement that had taken place, including with non-library users and residents for whom English was not their first language.  The Cabinet was satisfied that the consultation was a sound basis to inform decisions.

·  In relation to the future co-location opportunities with other council services and public sector partners.  It was noted that these issues regarding individual sites would be considered as part of the Asset Disposal Programme.

·  Members supported the role of volunteers but commented on the importance of ensuring they were adequately trained and organised.  The consultation and engagement process had led to a significant level of additional interest in people becoming volunteers which was welcomed.

After due consideration, the Cabinet agreed the recommendations but also requested that in addition to the report in 12 months, a further update report in the Autumn of 2022 to inform the budget process.

Resolved –

(a)  That the strategic service plan for Slough library services (2022 to 2027) (Appendix C to the report) be agreed.

(b)  That it be agreed to reduce the current library publication budget from £220,500 to £90,000 per annum to align our spend just within the CIPFA most similar group rather than towards the top of it.

(c)  That it be agreed that for a minimum period of 12 months the library service operates from the current buildings in which libraries are accommodated (Langley Library, Cippenham Library, Britwell Hub and The Curve) with a reduction in the opening hours and hours when specialist library staff will be in attendance as described in paragraph 2.19 of the report.

(d)  Agreed that an interim report be brought back to Cabinet by December 2022 and a full report in 12 months to provide an update and make recommendations for future options to deliver library services within the Council’s current constrained financial position.