The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

The supplement to the agenda was noted and the recommendations changed to reflect that supplement.

DECISION

1.    To note the results of the public consultation and other feedback received.

2.    To approve the revised proposals as set out as the ‘New Option’ on pages 2 and 3 of the supplement to the Report presented at the meeting.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Interim Divisional Director, Customer Programme (T. Heaney)

Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit, introduced the report setting out a revised approach to Idea Stores and Library Services. She clarified that at no point had there been an intention to close any services. She thanked Councillors and residents who had engaged with the consultation exercise. She tabled a supplement to the report which proposed increased opening hours from those set out in the options in the report including providing some Saturday and evening opening hours.

The consultation had shown strong responses in support of the Councils Idea Store and Library services and the proposals set out showed how the Council listened to responses in public consultations. She thanked officers for their hard work on this issue. The revised proposal ensures that the four main sites in the borough would be open seven days a week whilst still delivering some savings as required by the Council’s budget pressures. The changes would be reviewed after 18 months of operation.

The meeting heard from a number of residents and Members who expressed strong support for the services provided and had significant concerns about the proposed reductions in hours of service at the different locations. They highlighted how important libraries and Idea stores were in helping local people including in their studies and supporting children in their reading. Particular support was heard for Cubitt Town library.

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted and in particular the desire to make best use of the buildings was noted and officers confirmed that only appropriate shared-space users would be sought.

Cabinet discussed the report and welcomed the work that had been done to fully consult with residents. In particular, the tabled amended proposals were welcomed and supported by Members. The extent of the reduction in government funding over recent years was highlighted and the impact that had on the provision of local services generally and libraries in particular.

The Mayor highlighted the excellent library and Idea Store services that the Council was still able to provide and proposed the recommendations as set out in the Supplement to the main report to the Cabinet. These were agreed without dissent and it was:

RESOLVED

1.    To note the results of the public consultation and other feedback received.

2.    To approve the revised proposals as set out as the ‘New Option’ on pages 2 and 3 of the supplement to the Report presented at the meeting.

The Committee received and noted a report on the Idea Store and Library Services Scrutiny Challenge Session. The main points of the discussion on the report is outlined below:

The Committee noted that:

v  Councillor Leema Qureshi had decided to hold a Finance and Resource Scrutiny Challenge Session to focus on the Council’s revised approach to Idea Stores and library services.

v  The Challenge Session had been underpinned by the following core questions:

A.   To what extent of change will the revised approach for Idea Stores and library services impact on user groups from the community? What are the planned mitigation options and what’s the evidence from users and residents?

B.   Based on the public engagement what can be learnt and taken forward or changed about the suggested proposals for the revised approach to Idea Stores and library services?

C.   What is the five-year vision for the future for the future of the Idea Stores and library services including future funding proposals and risk implications?

v  The Challenge Session held virtually on 28 January 2021 was chaired by Councillor Leema Qureshi (Scrutiny Lead for Finance and Resources). The session had been structured to included: Chair’s overview - reason for the enquiry and session outcome, was a presentation from the service led by Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit supported by council officers, Youth Council representatives provided service user feedback, Voluntary Sectors Children and Youth Forum Coordinator provided an external perspective from the Third Sector.  The Challenge Session had resulted in the development of a number of recommendations set out in the attached report:

The Chair Moved and it was: -

RESOLVED to:

1.    Note the attached Idea Stores and Library Services Scrutiny Challenge Session Report and agree the recommendations; and

2.    Agreed to submit the attached report to the Mayor and Cabinet for an executive response.