Agenda item

The SBC Group Manager Localities & Neighbourhoods presented a report regarding the Slough Library Service Plan and new delivery model.

 

Members made the following comments and asked the following questions, which were responded to accordingly:

 

·  The service plan confirmed the need to keep individual libraries open otherwise the service would struggle to deliver the aims set out.

 

The SBC Group Manager advised that officer recommendations regarding the library service would be set out in the forthcoming Cabinet report.  Currently, there were no plans to close any libraries, however, alternative ways of delivering the service were being explored in order to make the service more accessible. For example, 70% of all lending was from the children’s library and alternatives such as providing this service in school locations, or at the leisure centre would be considered.

 

·  There was a need for a library in Langley. Officers should consider the localities model to ensure accessibility to libraries for all residents.

 

The SBC Group Manager undertook to incorporate this suggestion in the Cabinet report.

 

·  The report suggested that the savings target for 2022/23 was £400k and further savings may need to be made in subsequent years. How would it be possible to make further savings?

 

This was a challenge faced by every service area at the Council.  Decisions would be based on best value, consideration of other venues and locations for library provision, the increased use of volunteers, partnership working, and increased local provision.  Evaluation of the information collated from the Eqia (equalities impact assessment), the needs assessment and the consultation results had indicated that the proposed saving of £400k would still allow the Council to continue to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service.

 

·  Large numbers of libraries across the country had been closed due to spending cuts, however, Slough had kept its libraries open. The consultation results revealed that residents wanted to retain libraries. Libraries were often social and learning hubs that catered to community groups and community events. Would these groups lose this access if library provision moved to other sites?

 

The SBC Group Manager advised that this would be decided on a case by case basis, nevertheless, library provision at any potential new locations would continue to offer book borrowing, community events and any other informal provision would continue.

 

·  It should be noted that schools were not ideal locations for library provision as their buildings were not open at weekends.

 

The SBC Group Manager stated that the use of schools was just one of many possible options under consideration, any final decision would ensure that the Council continued to fulfil the terms of the 1964 libraries act i.e. ensuring the provision of an efficient and comprehensive service.

 

·  The library service should consider organising book clubs in different languages in partnership with community groups.

 

The SBC Group Manager said that the suggestion was noted and would be explored further.

 

·  How would it be possible to make further savings in future years?

 

The SBC Director advised that due to the current financial crisis faced by the Council it would be necessary to make savings every year for the next five years.  Currently, there was no set savings figure for each service area. In 2022/23, the library service was predicted to make the proposed savings without having to close any libraries. The Council needed to make savings of £20M each year for the next five years. Service provision and savings targets would be reassessed annually.  It was not therefore possible to predict what would happen in future years. The consultation had provided detailed information regarding residents’ views. There were plans to make library users more aware of the online and home service offers. His team were focussed on the provision of a comprehensive and efficient library service and using different methods to achieve those outcomes, whilst continuing to make savings.

 

·  The report did not provide any figures or quantative data regarding the recommendations that would be submitted to Cabinet the following week.

 

The SBC Director advised that the Cabinet report was being completed and would include feedback from the Customer and Community Scrutiny Panel. The report would also be submitted to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel following Cabinet approval.

 

·  Would it be possible to continue to make savings in the library service in future years without resorting to the closure of libraries?

 

The SBC Director advised that this was difficult to predict.  The Council needed to sell its assets whilst balancing that with service provision. The valuation of the Council’s portfolio of properties had begun and a strategy was being formulated which would inform decisions regarding savings in future years. The co-location of multiple services at the same venue was under investigation.  It was important to make the distinction between the library service and individual library buildings.  Slough was proud of its well-placed and award winning library service.

 

·  Could local artists showcase their work at Slough libraries?

 

The SBC Group Manager stated that similar suggestions had been received as part of the consultation and would be explored further.

 

·  Would the Unison response be available to Cabinet?

 

The SBC Group Manager stated that all consultation responses would be included in the Cabinet report.

 

·  Had the Council sent a response to the queries in the Unison letter? Would it be possible to share that with the Panel?

 

The SBC Director stated that this would be looked into once Cabinet had made its decision. Agreement would need to be sought from Unison first.

 

·  Some consultees had requested a Police desk at Langley library.

 

The SBC Group Manager advised that this would be explored once Cabinet had made its decision. Sharing library space with partner organisation would also be considered.

 

·  The report mentioned the deletion and creation of some posts and changing job descriptions in the library service.

 

The SBC Group Manager stated that some posts were no longer needed and other new posts needed to be implemented.  The changes to job descriptions related to which library sites staff would work at. The aim was to create a more flexible service whereby staff would be expected to work at different library sites in the future.

 

·  Why were volunteers being used at libraries?

 

The SBC Group Manager explained that volunteers were only called upon to assist library staff to deliver enhanced services or events.  Many consultees had indicated that they wished to support the library service through volunteering.

 

The SBC Director stated that going forward there would be fewer library staff and volunteers would only be deployed to assist professionally trained library staff, for example, with events or the home service and the online service, both of which were currently not well used.

 

·  What could residents expect from libraries by 2027? How would adults access the library service if it was located at schools?

 

The SBC Director stated that residents generally preferred to go to a library that was within walking distance. If, in the future, more residents took up the online or home service offer then the nature of library service provision may need to be reassessed.

 

The SBC Group Manager stated that providing library services at schools was just one of many options under consideration and the Council would ensure that any future provision was accessible to the greatest number of its residents.

 

·  Recent Cipfa data showed Slough was spending more on library services than other authorities. 

 

The SBC Group Manager advised that to date the Council had delivered an excellent library service. In order to maintain this, officers may look at good practice at other authorities which had a lower per capita spend. Changes to the service may mean that wait times may increase. Currently libraries received a discount on the purchase of hardbacks, but there was no discount for e-books or virtual books. Additional savings may be possible in the future as market costs reduced.

 

The SBC Director Cipfa groupings were a good barometer to assess whether Slough had a comprehensive and efficient library service.

 

Resolved: That the report be noted.