WIREDGOV

Culture Minister Margaret Hodge yesterday issued a statement closing the Inquiry into the provision of library services on the Wirral.  Since Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council have withdrawn their proposal to close 11 libraries, it is clearly no longer appropriate to rule on their earlier decision.  Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council are therefore not in breach of their statutory duty.

The Minister’s statement is as follows:

“Pursuant to his powers under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 (“the Act”), the Secretary of State launched a local inquiry into the library service provided by Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council (“Wirral MBC”) to gather evidence to test whether Wirral MBC's planned restructuring of that service was consistent with their statutory duty to provide the people of Wirral with a comprehensive and efficient public library service. He is satisfied that the Inquiry has been conducted fairly and in accordance with the statutory rules on procedure.

“However, after the report on the Inquiry was received by the Secretary of State, Wirral MBC revoked their plans to restructure their service.  In these circumstances it is no longer necessary for the Secretary of State to take a view on proposals which have since been dropped. There is therefore no finding that Wirral MBC are in breach of their statutory duty.

“The Secretary of State welcomes Wirral MBC’s decision to reconsider plans to restructure their library service.  We hope that they will take account of the issues raised, alongside the conclusions which emerge from the national libraries review, when considering future decisions.

“In respect of any wider implications of the Inquiry, the Secretary of State confirms that, in accordance with the clear requirements of the Act, local authorities are well placed to understand the needs of their local communities and are responsible for delivering local services relative to those needs. The Secretary of State will always wish, where possible, to use ways other than a formal inquiry in exercising his statutory obligations.  It is, however, an ongoing requirement of all local authorities to fulfil their duties under the Act, and of the Secretary of State to consider intervening where an allegation or question arises that an authority may not have done so.

“The Secretary of State wishes to emphasise the importance of all local authorities, being mindful of the needs of those living, working and studying in the area and of how they are addressing such needs in fulfilling their duty to deliver a comprehensive and efficient service.”

Margaret Hodge said:

“This does not mean that library closures cannot take place.  There may be circumstances where because of demographic or other changes, this is the most appropriate way for a local authority to meet its statutory duties. 

“We understand the financial pressures that local authorities are under and their need to deliver a wide range of local services.  But there are many local authorities who are already delivering innovative and excellent library services on limited budgets, through responding effectively to the needs of their communities and targeting their funds accordingly.“

Notes to Editors

1. The report of the Inspector who chaired the Inquiry on the Wirral, Sue Charteris, is available on the DCMS website. 

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