Swindon’s libraries are under threat. In fact, if the Conservatives are returned to power in May, all but one of our libraries will very soon cease to exist in their present form.
The Conservatives plan to slash the £2.6 million libraries budget by “at least” £1.5 million by 2020, starting with a cut of £300,000 in 2016-17. Under the “emerging plan” for the libraries the council will reduce the funding for the Central Library, and all the other libraries will be offered to parishes or volunteer groups.
Swindon’s libraries are under threat. In fact, if the Conservatives are returned to power in May, all but one of our libraries will very soon cease to exist in their present form.
The Conservatives plan to slash the £2.6 million libraries budget by “at least” £1.5 million by 2020, starting with a cut of £300,000 in 2016-17. Under the “emerging plan” for the libraries the council will reduce the funding for the Central Library, and all the other libraries will be offered to parishes or volunteer groups which:
| “will be encouraged and supported to develop 'Local Community Service Points' for library and other community services. Local community service points will be self-managed, resourced and operated by communities, partners or volunteers”. [1] |
So, it appears that under the "emerging model" there will be no funding for 14 of the 15 libraries. Instead, a transfer of administrative and financial responsibility to volunteers. This is closure by the back door.
With enough signatures, the Labour Group can present the petition to the Council and force a debate on the proposed cuts.