The Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss a call-in regarding the future of library provision in Folkestone Town Centre. This item formed the primary focus of the meeting, with extensive documentation provided for consideration.

Call-in of Decision 25/00104 - Future of Library Provision in Folkestone Town Centre

The main item scheduled for discussion was the call-in of a decision concerning the future of library provision in Folkestone Town Centre. This decision, made on 6 February 2026, had been requested for further scrutiny by several non-Executive Members. The call-in process, governed by the Local Government Act 2000, allows for significant decisions to be examined by Scrutiny Committees before implementation.

The report pack indicated that the call-in was considered valid under the council's constitution, citing reasons related to consultation and the explanation of options considered. Specifically, concerns were raised that the decision documentation provided limited consideration of the historic Grace Hill building's specific location and history in relation to future library arrangements. Additionally, questions were raised about the assessment of community bids and the clarity surrounding the consideration of long-term maintenance costs. The report noted that while not all elements of the call-in met the criteria, several key themes were deemed valid for further exploration.

The Scrutiny Committee was presented with a range of options for its response, including making no comments, expressing comments without requiring reconsideration, requiring postponement of the decision pending reconsideration by the decision-maker, or requiring postponement pending review by the full Council. The committee was to consider the reasons for the call-in, the available documentation, and the response from the Executive to inform its deliberations. It was emphasised that the Scrutiny Committee does not have the power to override the original decision but can make recommendations for reconsideration or improvement.

The documentation provided extensive background information on the decision-making process, including previous decisions from January 2025 and January 2026. These reports detailed the council's statutory duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. They also outlined the financial challenges faced by Kent County Council (KCC), the estimated costs of repairing the Grace Hill building (approximately £2.9 million), and the exploration of alternative town centre locations, including 14 Sandgate Road and the FOLCA building.

The report pack also included detailed Equality Impact Assessments (EQIAs) for the proposed changes, examining potential impacts on various protected characteristics. These assessments considered the move from the Grace Hill building to alternative locations, such as 14 Sandgate Road, and the implications for different age groups, individuals with disabilities, and ethnic minority communities. The EQIAs highlighted potential negative impacts, such as increased travel distances for some users, and outlined mitigating actions, including the promotion of digital resources, the Home Library Service, and ensuring accessible building designs.

The call-in request itself, submitted by several members, detailed concerns about the consultation process, the lack of transparency regarding financial information such as the reserve auction price for the Grace Hill building, and the need for a comprehensive comparative analysis of operating costs for alternative locations. It also referenced potential government funding for libraries and historic buildings, suggesting that these avenues should be fully explored before disposing of assets. The request specifically mentioned the potential of Option 2A, involving Creative Folkestone, and highlighted that insufficient information had been gathered to make a fully informed judgement on this community bid.

The report pack also included details of the marketing process for the Grace Hill building, the Asset of Community Value (ACV) legislation, and the proposal submitted by Creative Folkestone. The options appraisal provided a comparative analysis of different scenarios, including exiting the Grace Hill building and confirming 14 Sandgate Road as the future location, or exploring the FOLCA option. Option 2A, involving Creative Folkestone's proposal for a grant-funded vision for Grace Hill, was also detailed, with an assessment of its service requirements, financial viability, and deliverability.

The documentation also referenced previous decisions, including Key Decision 24/00116 from January 2025, which outlined the initial steps and options for the future of Folkestone Library and the Grace Hill building. This earlier decision had discounted options involving KCC retaining responsibility for maintenance and repair of Grace Hill, and recommended progressing actions related to its listing as an Asset of Community Value.