Islington's libraries may be given over to trust to avoid cuts closures

Published: 25th March, 2011
by TERRY MESSENGER

ISLINGTON’S libraries are likely to be handed over to an independent trust in a bid to avoid closures.

The move is a ruse solely to save £500,000 in business rates – the annual cost of two libraries.

Libraries chief Paul Convery explained that the council must pay business rates to the government for its own buildings but premises controlled by trusts are exempt. 

Councillor Convery told a meeting of Islington’s executive committee: “We will explore the possibility of moving our library service into the control of an independent trust, which would save at a stroke something in the region of between £400,000 and £500,000.

“It is the intention of this administration not to seek savings by closing any branch or library. It is destructive and a very unpopular way to make savings. It is absolutely our intention not to close any libraries.”

The council has earmarked £430,000 savings on libraries as part of its £52million cuts package for 2011-12, so the borough’s current service can be preserved by transfer to a trust in 2011-12.

But a further £50million must be saved in the following three financial years up to 2015 so the move could only provide a temporary reprieve.

Ruling Labour councillors on the borough’s executive committee agreed last Thursday to draw up a consultation document on the future of the libraries. 

The process is in its earliest stage and no firm proposals have yet been drawn up.

But a report to the committee does suggest transfer to an independent trust, sharing services with neighbouring boroughs and a review of hours as ways of improving the service and saving money. Cllr Convery insisted the service would remain publicly accountable – though no longer subject to public scrutiny through council procedures.

He said: “It would be an independent charitable entity. I would expect the trustees to be drawn from councillors, users and staff. 

“The council would continue to own the buildings and we would continue to provide revenue support.”

He said that opening hours might be changed to better reflect the needs of users – meaning libraries could be open longer during people’s leisure hours.

The consultation document will be produced by the end of next month.