Agenda item

The Council will hold a debate following receipt of a petition entitled – “Save Bath Library”. The petition will be introduced by the lead petitioner or their representative.

The Council considered an item which had been brought forward, following receipt of a petition entitled “Save Bath Library” containing approximately 5000 signatures.

Caroline Ambrose made a statement introducing the petition and formally opening the debate.  A copy of Caroline’s statement has been added to the online minutes.

On a motion from Councillor Karen Warrington, seconded by Councillor Jasper Becker, it was

RESOLVED that

Council notes:

·  That the Council is currently undertaking a consultation on proposals for an integrated library and customer service (One Stop Shop) in Bath, which runs until the 15th September.

·  That this consultation includes two options: to keep the library in its current location in the Podium with combined One Stop Shop services, or to move the library to the current One Stop Shop location in Lewis House.

·  That business cases for these two options are available alongside the consultation for the public to access and view, along with a needs assessment, equality impact assessment, site assessments and design principles.

·  That following this stage of consultation and once a preferred location has been chosen, further engagement will take place with service users and residents on the design and layout of the new Library/One Stop Shop, including consideration of matters such as accessibility.

·  That combining library and customer services in one location is a model that has proven successful elsewhere, both in other authorities and in other locations within B&NES, including the Keynsham Library/One Stop Shop - where library usage has increased, bucking the national trend.

·  That combining the library and One Stop Shop in Bath would save up to £400,000 a year towards an overall £800,000 p.a. saving from the Modern Libraries project, whilst at the same time protecting both our library and customer services and making them sustainable for the long-term.

·  That, as well as making our library service sustainable for the future, the Council’s Modern Libraries programme is seeking to ensure that our libraries meet the needs of current and future library users through access to books, information, events, face-to-face support, and up-to-date digital technology, together with improved family facilities.

·  That, whilst B&NES is seeking innovative ways to protect and enhance our library service, other Councils – including neighbouring authorities - are proposing significant library closures.

Council resolves:

1.  To note the points above, and for any comments and contributions made as part of the debate to be recorded and included within the formal consultation.

[Notes:

1.  During debate, an unsuccessful motion was moved by Councillor Richard Samuel, and seconded by Councillor Dine Romero, to acknowledge public concerns, withdraw the project in its current form and to ask Cabinet to amend the budget so that savings could be identified from elsewhere.  This was lost on a named vote;

Councillors voting in favour (15) – Councillors Rob Appleyard, Tim Ball, Cherry Beath, Neil Butters, Paul Crossley, Andy Furse, Ian Gilchrist, Alison Millar, Michelle O’Doherty, Lin Patterson, Caroline Roberts, Nigel Roberts, Dine Romero, Richard Samuel, Will Sandry.

Councillors voting against (37) – Councillors Patrick Anketell-Jones, Colin Barrett, Jasper Becker, Sarah Bevan, Colin Blackburn, Anthony Clarke, Fiona Darey, Matthew Davies, Sally Davis, Doug Deacon, Emma Dixon, Michael Evans, Charles Gerrish, Bob Goodman, Francine Haeberling, Alan Hale, Deirdre Horstmann, Steve Jeffries, Les Kew, Marie Longstaff, Paul May, Paul Myers, Michael Norton, Lisa O’Brien, June Player, Vic Pritchard, Liz Richardson, Mark Shelford, Brian Simmons, Peter Turner, Martin Veal, David Veale, Karen Walker, Geoff Ward, Tim Warren, Karen Warrington, Chris Watt.

Councillors abstaining (6) – Councillors John Bull, Chris Dando, Liz Hardman, Eleanor Jackson, Robin Moss, Joe Rayment.

2.  During debate, an unsuccessful amendment was moved by Councillor Joe Rayment, and seconded by Councillor Robin Moss, to acknowledge that the library and the One Stop Shop would be diminished by the moves, and calling for an urgent update about the future of branch libraries.  This was lost with 9 Councillors voting in favour, 34 Councillors voting against and 15 Councillors abstaining.

3.  The successful motion was carried with 34 Councillors voting in favour, 20 Councillors voting against and 2 abstentions

4.  Councillor Nigel Roberts asked that his vote against the substantive motion be recorded].