Meeting documents

Place Scrutiny Committee
Monday, 25th November, 2013 6.30 pm

The Cabinet Minutes

Date:
Tuesday, 5th November, 2013
Time:
14:00
Place:
Civic Suite, Civic Centre, Southend-on-Sea
 

Attendance Details

ItemDescriptionResolution
Part I
453 Facing the Challenge: Future of Southend Library Services 2013-2028
Scrutiny Comment for item 453
Business for item 453
Resolved:-

1. That the objective of the Cultural Advisory Working Party to maintain a branch network, be noted.

2. That the following draft vision for the Library Service 2013-2028 be adopted:

"Southend Libraries will continue to serve the local community through recreation, entertainment, education and information; responsive to local needs and adapting to the use of new technologies.

The vision will be delivered through the achievement of key objectives:

-Delivery of the national universal offer
-Being recognised regionally / nationally as a leading provider of library services within the Eastern Region
-Establishing a framework in which community libraries can operate
-Providing non judgemental, welcoming open access to all
-Provision of spaces for people and community groups
-Provision of shared policies and values across each library setting within the Borough".

3. That the Draft Library Development Strategy 2013-2028, be approved and the original proposal for the future delivery of the Library Service for the next fifteen years, be fully adopted.

4. That a new hub library be created on a single site along Delaware Road, Shoeburyness as a replacement for the Thorpedene and Friars libraries.

5. That a pragmatic approach to the delivery of the branch network be adopted and that a 'one-size fits all' may not deliver the best solution for the locality or library service, be recognised.

6. That both the Kent Elms and Leigh libraries will become hub locations and share the paid staff resources allocated for a single hub library for the west of the borough. The Council will work with the community to provide volunteer support to sustain the service.

7. That the Council is committed to the retention of the Leigh library in its current location for the foreseeable future.

8. That a transitional one-off revenue expenditure of £40,000 in order to assist the library service in moving to a different operating model, be approved.

9. That one-off capital funding of approximately £50,000 for the installation of Wi-Fi across the entire Southend Libraries Branch Network, be approved.

10. That capital funding for the selection and relocation of the library hub in Delaware Road, be considered as part of the 2014/15 budget setting process.

11. That a review of the delivery of the Library Development Strategy be undertaken within a period of 12 months.

Reasons for Decision

As set out in paragraph 6 of the submitted report.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Eligible for call in to Place Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor: Jarvis
This matter had previously been subject to pre-Cabinet Scrutiny.
*Called in to:- Place Scrutiny Committee
14:00/15:50

Attendance Details

Present:
Councillor N Holdcroft (Chairman),
Councillors J I Courtenay, T Cox, J M Garston, D J Jarvis, J L Lamb, A J Moring, L P Salter.
In attendance:
R Tinlin, J Williams, S Leftley, A Lewis, A Atherton, J Chesterton, J Ruffle and C Gamble.

Also present: Councillors Assenheim, Chalk, Crystall, Godwin, Hadley, Lewin, McMahon, Stafford and Woodley.

Scrutiny Comment

ItemComment
453 Called in by Councillors J McMahon and I D Gilbert.
Final call on 13/11/2013 at 09:55
Supported by G Longley, P Collins, M Terry, R Woodley
Resolved:

1. That the following decision of Cabinet be noted:

"1. That the objective of the Cultural Advisory Working Party to maintain a branch network, be noted.

2. That the following draft vision for the Library Service 2013-2028 be adopted:

"Southend Libraries will continue to serve the local community through recreation, entertainment, education and information; responsive to local needs and adapting to the use of new technologies.

The vision will be delivered through the achievement of key objectives:

-Delivery of the national universal offer
-Being recognised regionally / nationally as a leading provider of library services within the Eastern Region
-Establishing a framework in which community libraries can operate
-Providing non judgemental, welcoming open access to all
-Provision of spaces for people and community groups
-Provision of shared policies and values across each library setting within the Borough".

3. That the Draft Library Development Strategy 2013-2028, be approved and the original proposal for the future delivery of the Library Service for the next fifteen years, be fully adopted.

4. That a new hub library be created on a single site along Delaware Road, Shoeburyness as a replacement for the Thorpedene and Friars libraries.

5. That a pragmatic approach to the delivery of the branch network be adopted and that a 'one-size fits all' may not deliver the best solution for the locality or library service, be recognised.

6. That both the Kent Elms and Leigh libraries will become hub locations and share the paid staff resources allocated for a single hub library for the west of the borough. The Council will work with the community to provide volunteer support to sustain the service.

7. That the Council is committed to the retention of the Leigh library in its current location for the foreseeable future.

8. That a transitional one-off revenue expenditure of £40,000 in order to assist the library service in moving to a different operating model, be approved.

9. That one-off capital funding of approximately £50,000 for the installation of Wi-Fi across the entire Southend Libraries Branch Network, be approved.

10. That capital funding for the selection and relocation of the library hub in Delaware Road, be considered as part of the 2014/15 budget setting process.

11. That a review of the delivery of the Library Development Strategy be undertaken within a period of 12 months."

2. That, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 39.2, the matter be referred to Council.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor: Jarvis
This matter had previously been subject to pre-Cabinet scrutiny.

Business

ItemBusiness
453The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for Place updating Members on the outcome of the consultation on the proposals for the future library service 2013-2028.

At the meeting of Council held on 17th October 2013, Members received a petition presented by Leigh Town Council relating to Leigh Library. Councillor Gilbert also presented a petition to Council concerning the future of Southend libraries.

The Leader of the Council thanked members of the Working Party and the supporting officers for their contributions in developing the proposals on the future operation of the library service.

 

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