Decision details

On 23rd November 2017 the Cabinet RESOLVED (unanimously) to confirm its original decision, as taken on 11th October 2017, with the following clarifications and amendments which address the three issues raised by CTE PDS at its call-in meeting on 13th November 2017:

2.1.1. In the event that the Council is unable to secure a locally agreed Community Run Library provision in any of the existing five Branch Libraries, an options report will be produced for consideration by Cabinet to determine the approach to be taken in that area, having reference to financial consequences and the outcomes of consultation.

2.1.2. The consultation approach will include the matters and approaches detailed in Section 4.

2.1.3. The Mobile Library Service will continue to operate and is not subject to closure.

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Report sets out the proposals for Bath NES Community Libraries.

Note:  This decision has been Called In. 

Call ins of Cabinet Member Decision E3000 “Modern Libraries - Community Library approach” made on 11th October 2017.

1.  The call-in is requested on the basis that the wrong decision was reached at the Cabinet meeting and for the following specific reasons:

a.  The report fails to identify the impact on current mobile library users once this service ceases. 

b.  Inadequate consideration has been given to how sustainable it is to expect local groups to take on the running of libraries and how this would be funded. 

c.  The consultation on this approach has been limited and the results of this consultation have not been published (to be considered with 2i).

d.  The Equalities Impact Assessment referred to as a background paper does not appear to have been published.

2.  The call-in request is made in the public interest of full disclosure of the facts underpinning the decision and for the following specific reasons:

i.  The decision has been taken without any open, public consultation having been carried out.

ii.  No financial breakdown has been provided to decision-makers regarding the proposed savings and no detail is offered of how the community model may work.

iii.  Information about the ownership of branch library buildings is not included in the report.

On 23rd November 2017 the Cabinet RESOLVED (unanimously) to confirm its original decision, as taken on 11th October 2017, with the following clarifications and amendments which address the three issues raised by CTE PDS at its call-in meeting on 13th November 2017:

2.1.1. In the event that the Council is unable to secure a locally agreed Community Run Library provision in any of the existing five Branch Libraries, an options report will be produced for consideration by Cabinet to determine the approach to be taken in that area, having reference to financial consequences and the outcomes of consultation.

2.1.2. The consultation approach will include the matters and approaches detailed in Section 4.

2.1.3. The Mobile Library Service will continue to operate and is not subject to closure.

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On 11^th October 2017 RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet agreed to:

1)  Adopt the new approach to delivering Community Run Library services in Bath and North East Somerset as set out in Appendix B as part of the overall Modern Libraries programme.

2)  Approve the release of Capital in the sum of £275,000 to invest in and support our new approach to Community Run Libraries.

As described in the July Modern Libraries report, integrating the core libraries and considering a new approach to delivery for our communities, allows us to deliver our strategic objectives, continue to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service whilst at the same time meeting the financial challenges we face.

As per report.