Harold Wood Library Reopening: Councillor Raises Concerns Over Costs, Staffing And Future Plans
Councillor Gillian Ford writes in The Havering Daily, stating that while the HRA welcomes the prospect of Harold Wood Library returning to community use, it has concerns about the financial arrangements and the potential impact of the proposed operating model on other libraries across Havering.
The former HRA Council administration recognised the strength of local feeling about the loss of the Harold Wood Library.
A community group came forward, and regular meetings were established between the group and the former Administration Council, which included discussions on lease arrangements, the financing of the venture and the grant funding the group had secured.
The new proposal offers a possible route to bringing the building back into use.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) expected the sale of the library as part of the ‘Exceptional Financial Support’ agreement, and it is therefore not unreasonable to request transparent costs, condition surveys, as the previous (visual and not full survey) identified several red risks including single glazing, and details on a clear long-term plan.
The Council has a duty and responsibility for best value and the priority should be residents receiving a useful service without exposing the Council to avoidable financial or legal risks.
The Leader of the Council stated at Wednesday’s Cabinet Meeting that they were looking to repeat this model in other libraries. Councillor Gillian Ford said, “To repeat the model raises questions as to what Reform UK intends to do over existing library staffing levels and the Harold Wood proposals library offer, which is currently unclear.”
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