Save Our Libraries! Councillors Call For Pause On Library Closure Decision.

A cross-party committee has called for Havering’s cabinet to delay their decision on the closure of three libraries, following a scrutiny meeting on February 3.

 The Places Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee met to review a report on the closure of the libraries head of the report and recommendations going to a Cabinet meeting of HRA Councillors on Wednesday 4 February. The Cabinet are expected to approve the recommendation that three libraries close. 

 In the report to the Committee, Officers outline how the recommendation to close three libraries is driven by a request that the libraries team deliver £300k in cuts during. Results of a public consultation were shared, as well as information on why the three libraries were chose from a shortlist of five. 

Representatives from UNISON were also given five minutes to address the Committee, where they shared their concerns over the closures. 

 The Committee is made up of councillors from a range of the political parties in Havering and concerns were raised by members from each group. These included questions over the loss of jobs, the impact on the elderly, as well as questions on whether the council felt it could robustly defend a legal challenge. 

 Committee members raised concerns about some of the information in the report, including what appeared to be an incorrect equalities impact assessment.

 Harold Wood Councillors explained that a local ‘Friends of’ group has been formed to run the Harold Wood library, and that they were confident of securing grants. However, the committee raised concerns over whether there would be enough time for funds to be raised, as the recommendation would close libraries in April. 

 Following over two hours of scrutiny, the Committee has recommended to the Cabinet that they delay the decision to close the libraries. It was also recommended that a second public consultation be carried out, as has been seen in other parts of the country after a recommendation is made. 

Councillor David Taylor, Chairman of the Committee told the Havering Daily:

 “The cross party committee reached a consensus that the Cabinet must delay their decision. We believe that part of the reports need clarifying, that the local Friends Of group should be given time to secure the funding they need, and that a second consultation should be carried out. 

 It was clear that the recommendation to close the libraries is driven by the request that the department save £300k. So, we have also recommended that the Cabinet get an opinion on whether savings could be found elsewhere. 

 Without the correct information, or exploring other options and giving groups a chance, we believe it would simply be too early to make the call. 

 We trust that the Cabinet will take our advice”

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.