Leader of the Liberal Democrat Official Opposition at County Hall, Cllr Brendan Glynane, has today attacked the Conservatives latest library proposals, including cuts of up to 50% over the next four years.
Cllr Glynane said “It clear that our libraries are not safe in Northamptonshire Conservatives hands. These proposals are a cynical ploy by Northamptonshire Conservatives to shirk their responsibilities. The Conservative administration is attempting to pass the buck, but under the Public Libraries & Museums Act of 1964 they have the statutory responsibility to ensure provision of libraries. Indeed the Department for Culture, Media & Sport specifically states that ‘We would be concerned if libraries were closed, or their services disproportionately reduced, just to save money.’ “
“Not only that but they have set the deadline for when they will decide whether or not to close libraries to the summer of 2013. By a strange coincidence this is just a few months after the next County elections. Perhaps the Conservatives are not willing to admit to local people their real plans before they go to the polls. That is frankly shameful.”
“The Conservatives are threatening local communities with cuts of 50% over four years – effectively putting a gun to the head of those who want to read books. This is a disgraceful manoeuvre and Northamptonshire Conservatives should do the job they were elected to, and not run away from providing the services that local residents expect.”
You can see the DCMS guidance on their website:
http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/libraries/3416.aspx
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