Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Notes the findings and considers the responses from a comprehensive consultation exercise, which has informed the proposed final Library Service Strategy;

2.     Notes the adaptations to the proposed Tiered library opening hours as set out in the report, following consultation.

3.     Agrees the Library Service Strategy in Appendix 4 from June 2023, and agrees the Tiered opening hours to take effect later in this financial year as set out in the Annex to this report.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received and considered the responses from the public consultation on the Library Strategy and tiered library opening hours. Cabinet noted that the proposals were discussed at a meeting of the Residents’ Services Select Committee. Cabinet also considered the equalities impact assessment.

The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services highlighted the five key ambitions of the Strategy and noted that the Council was required under law to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service and given that Hillingdon Council provided more branches and opening hours than its neighbouring boroughs, he was confident the Council met the requirements of this. The Cabinet Member re-affirmed the Council’s commitment of libraries being a key part of the Council’s wider community offering, providing a comprehensive range of activities for all ages.

The Cabinet Member noted the 865 responses received during the consultation, predominately from the North of the Borough, with visits by users to libraries once a month being the average. In respect of the proposed tiered opening hours, it was noted that these were based on usage but also on the mapped availability of an alternative library within travelling distance. The Cabinet Member outlined the proposed changes to opening hours following consultation, where subject to the decision on Harlington Library it was proposed West Drayton Library would move to Tier 3, and at Northwood Hills Library it was proposed it remained at Tier 3 but with a lunchtime closure. The Cabinet Member indicated that opening hours would be kept under regular review.

Both the Cabinet Member and the Leader of the Council paid thanks to officers in the Library Service for their work on the consultation and the valued service they provide to the Borough.

Alternative options considered and rejected

No alternative options to the Library Service were considered in order to retain a large network of public libraries in Hillingdon and ensure resources were deployed responsibly and efficiently.