Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Bithell introduced the assessment of the feasibility of Community Asset Transfers (CAT’s) of libraries in the areas of Hope, Mynydd Isa and Saltney.  A recommendation on the way forward for each library was detailed in the report along with a timescale that was within the context of the medium term libraries plan.  It aimed to support the achievement of the £0.544m of savings through CAT’s put forward as a budget efficiency proposal for 2016/17.

                        He thanked the officers for the level of engagement with the public in each area who were seeking the best solution for their library.  The early work to support the communities demonstrated that a CAT was feasible in both Hope and Mynydd Isa, with community organisations coming forward with a commitment to make a CAT work.  Further work was required to support the communities to finalise their plan for a CAT with a proposed target date for completing the work of 31 March 2015, however recognising that it may require more time.  A final date for completion of those CAT’s and therefore provision of library services in those areas was proposed at the end of June 2016.

                        The early work to support the community and the formal consultation showed that at present a CAT was not feasible in Saltney.  Given that the consultation responses had asked for more time, and whilst recognising there were proposed budget savings for 2016/17, it was recommended to give the community of Saltney until the end of February 2016 to consider again if a CAT was feasible and how that might work.  It was proposed to make clear that if an interest was not expressed by then, the service would cease at the end of March 2016.  The final date for completion of the CAT and therefore provision of library service was proposed at the end of June 2016.

                        Councillor Shotton welcomed the extension to the consultation for the community of Saltney which was a positive move in identifying an ADM.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the assessment of the feasibility of community asset transfers for the libraries in Hope, Mynydd Isa and Saltney be considered, in particular reviewing the formal consultation with communities and the draft notes from Organisational Change Overview and Scrutiny Committee;

(b)       That community asset transfers be proceeded in Hope and Mynydd Isa, with a target date range of April-June 2016 for completion, and with the final basis for transfer to be brought back to Cabinet;

(c)        That in Saltney, based on the formal community consultation, the end of February 2016 be agreed for further consideration by the community to express an interest with a final date of the end of June 2016 for any final transfer; and

(d)       That if no interest is expressed by the community of Saltney by the end of February 2016 that provision of a library service is ceased from 31 March 2016.