Decisions

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Notes the findings and considers the responses from a comprehensive consultation exercise and;

2.     Having regard to the content of the Equalities Impact Assessment, and noting the actions that are proposed to mitigate the adverse effects of Harlington Library closing, Cabinet agrees that it is satisfied that service users will retain the ability to access a comprehensive and efficient library service within Hillingdon. 

3.     Therefore:

a.     Approves the closure of Harlington library from Friday 21^st July 2023 and instructs officers to inform all current service users of the closure and advise them about how they can still access the library service within Hillingdon, including the digital library, Mobile library and nearby alternative static libraries.

b.    Authorises the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Residents Services, to negotiate appropriate compensation with Harlington School.

c.     Instructs officers to take all necessary steps to terminate the Council’s lease relating to Harlington Library in accordance with the requirements of the  Department for Education.

Reasons for decision

Following public consultation, Cabinet duly considered the detailed responses to the proposed closure of Harlington library and noted that the matter had also been considered by the Residents’ Services Select Committee.

The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services noted a minor inconsequential correction to the report for the record.

The Cabinet Member explained the unique nature of the library being situated within Harlington School and the outcome of the consultation. The consultation had received 84 responses and the library had the lowest rate of book borrowing in the Borough, with the vast majority of usage being pupils at the School. Whilst the equalities impact assessment noted some inconvenience to those residents who did use the library, including those with disabilities, the Cabinet Member outlined the proposed mitigations to the proposed closure, which would include increased opening hours at the nearby West Drayton Library and increased mobile library opening hours in Pinkwell Ward.

Cabinet considered the report and its recommendations. Firstly, having due regard to the consultation, the equalities impact assessment and also actions proposed to mitigate the adverse effects of the closure, Cabinet agreed that it was satisfied that users would retain the ability to access a comprehensive and efficient library service.

Secondly, and consequently, Cabinet therefore agreed to the closure of the library, noting that users would be advised how they to access other library services locally. Cabinet also made the necessary decisions to passport the library facilities to benefit Harlington School.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet considered that no viable alternative options had been identified as set out in the report, but that users would still be able to benefit from a substantial library service offer locally and across the Borough.

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.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.