Issue - meetings

Cabinet received a report which requested it to consider the responses made to the consultation on the future delivery model for the library service in Peterborough and, in light of those responses, to determine the way forward in such a way as to fulfil the Council’s statutory obligations.

The report sought Cabinet’s approval for the future delivery model for the library service in Peterborough.

Councillor Serluca introduced the report highlighting the main issues contained within including the key aspects of the new model and an overview of the consultation responses received. It was advised that the model provided for a flexible library service which responded to local need. Work would also continue with partners and groups to develop and monitor the proposals in the two pilot libraries, with the remaining implementation over two months. The Council’s Culture and Leisure Partnership Manager summarised the additional consultation responses received following the 12 noon deadline.  

Cabinet debated the report and key points raised and responses to questions included:

·         Cabinet congratulated officers and the Cabinet Member on the work undertaken on the consultation and the final outcome proposals;

·         A media campaign would be run throughout April 2015 to encourage individuals to sign up to Open+. Clear opening hour guidance would be available at all the libraries, giving people the option to know which libraries were open at any given time; and

·         The outcome proposals would ultimately improve the service provided and it was to be noted that many other authorities were closing libraries altogether, meaning a total loss of jobs.

Cabinet considered the report and RESOLVED to:

          Approve the future delivery model for the library service in Peterborough.

          REASONS FOR THE DECISION

          To approve the proposed new approach to delivering Peterborough’s library services in the future as outlined within the report.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED

Alternative options had been explored, but discounted, in relation to the options for the delivery of library services in Peterborough that would achieve a similar level of saving:

1) The option of putting all of the available staffing resource into Central Library to create an enhanced 7 day city centre offer, supplemented by the library mobile service; and

2) Central, Bretton, Orton, Werrington and Dogsthorpe libraries remain open with reduced staff hours, but will be available for further hours with no staff. Hampton remains as a purely self-service library. Eye, Dogsthorpe, Stanground, Thorney and Woodston libraries will close. However if community groups come forward any of these can remain open by being run by volunteers at no additional cost to the Council.