Acomb Explore Library
Labour are pushing on with controversial plans to sell-off libraries in York. The plans will see the library and archive service transfer from council ownership and management to a new social enterprise model run by a board of volunteers.
Labour’s six-week consultation on libraries last year was criticized after residents were not asked about potential management or ownership changes. In October, Labour said that current staffing levels could not be guaranteed under the new arrangements and the report approved by the Labour Cabinet last night confirmed that further funding cuts to the service are likely in the coming years. The report also confirmed that current libraries may be closed under a relocation programme.
Councillor Nigel Ayre, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Cultural Services, commented:
“Under the previous Lib Dem administration continued investment saw the modernization of York’s libraries and visitor numbers increase by 25% between 2003 and 2011. The current library service is cost-effective, successful, and popular. Given this, it is a disgrace that Labour, without properly consulting the public, have decided to sell-off the service and push on with their untested social enterprise model.
“There are huge question marks over their plans including whether relying on volunteers to takeover the running of the service is feasible. It is unclear if the planned society will qualify for the tax-exemption status Labour is banking on or whether these tax exemptions will exist in the long-term. There seem to be no guarantees that staff or service levels will be maintained and we now know that officers are looking at relocating libraries. This means possible closures across the City. The report approved by Labour admits that further funding cuts are likely. We know that UNISON oppose the plans and staff are fearful about the future of the service.
“The consultation Labour did last year was a sham as they did not ask residents the key questions and ignored the answers they did get. My strong suspicion is that these proposals are merely a way for Labour to distance themselves from future unpopular decisions and cuts. They should rethink and urgently consult residents asking them who they want to run the service and whether it should stay in-house or move to a social enterprise, trust or co-operative model.”
The report approved by the Labour Cabinet last night can be found here<