Julia Lopez MP meets Libraries Minister to talk about legalities on Havering Council to provide a universal library service to residents.
News from the Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez.
Plans by the Residents’ Association-Labour administration in Havering Town Hall to cut four of the borough’s libraries were raised in parliament yesterday by local MP, Julia Lopez. The Hornchurch and Upminster representative sought the advice of Libraries Minister, Lord Parkinson, in a meeting about the legal duties on the borough to provide a universal library service to Havering’s residents.
It comes after Mrs Lopez wrote to Havering’s Council Leader, Councillor Ray Morgon, to oppose his administration’s plans. In the letter Mrs Lopez asked questions about the Council’s financial calculations as the authority seeks to shut four of Havering’s ten libraries, including in Harold Wood and Elm Park.
Havering Council announced its plans on the 10th of May in a public consultation that will run until August. But Mrs Lopez believes more information is needed about the RA-Labour coalition’s thinking, as she challenged the long-term strategy behind the decision.
Given the Council’s projected £350,000 saving made by shrinking Havering’s library network, Mrs Lopez has asked Councillor Morgon whether his administration’s plan is to offload the sites for development.
Mrs Lopez has pushed for information about Cabinet discussions on the valuations of each library site, whether any redevelopment plans include the provision of libraries and if the Council’s plan would change should the purchase of Hornchurch Police Station no longer be required, or if business rates projections are revised.
Mrs Lopez has teamed up with local London Assembly Member and Leader of Havering Conservative group, Councillor Keith Prince AM, to oppose the closures, throwing her support behind his petition to keep at-risk libraries in the borough’s hands.
While responsibility for managing library services sits with local authorities, the government has a role in ensuring councils meet their legal duty to provide a comprehensive library service. A Libraries Improvement Fund is also in operation to upgrade library services in England. Lord Parkinson and Mrs Lopez discussed the ways in which libraries help councils meet other legal duties, including supporting children with special educational needs.
Julia Lopez, MP for Hornchurch and Upminster, said:
“The importance of Havering’s libraries goes beyond traditional book-lending. They are community hubs from which people can access computers, book meeting rooms, scan and print documents, and access certain council services.
“That is why there is a statutory duty on councils to provide comprehensive library services – something that Lord Parkinson reiterated today in Parliament.
“The Council’s plans lack transparency, so I have written to Cllr Morgon to get residents the information they need. I have been actively helping the Council with its budget challenges, but they cannot expect to duck scrutiny of, and accountability for, every decision they make. These closures are short sighted and represent a tiny saving – a fraction of a percent of Havering’s overall budget.”
Councillor Keith Prince AM commented:
“The proposals put forward by Havering Council to potentially close up to four local libraries is extremely disappointing. Our libraries are hugely important community assets, being hubs for learning, accessing vital support services and so much more.
“The current plans will save Havering Council very little money but will be a massive loss to our community. Unfortunately, we have seen no evidence to suggest that the Council have explored alternative options which would avoid the loss of these libraries all together.”
Julia Lopez’s letter to Havering Council can be readhere.
Residents can get involved with the campaign to oppose the potential closure of Havering’s libraries in a number of ways:
- Sign Keith Prince AM’s petition.
- Share their views in Havering Council’s officialconsultation.
- Write to Julia Lopez MP sharing their thoughts.
- Join the local Facebook group opposing their closure.
Support Local Journalism
We at The Havering Daily appreciate your support of quality journalism. Your generous donation, no matter the size, allows us to continue bringing unbiased and informative news to the community. Your contribution helps us maintain our independence and allows us to continue providing high-quality journalism. Thank you for valuing the work we do and for supporting our mission
Thank you
Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!
We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.
Obvious question for Ms Lopez (and Mr Rosindell….): did they vote in favour of the government’s proposal to reduce the funding to local authorities ?
If ‘yes’, then I suggest a period of silence lest she (and he) be accused of hypocrisy.
Austerity orchestrated the destruction of our public libraries. There is so much amnesia in the Tory Party at the moment.