Purpose

Decision to be taken on recommendations for
the future delivery of library and services following consultation
in spring 2025.

Decision

 
1.         To note the
activity that has taken place to date

2.         To agree
the model as presented in the report to move into implementation as
stated in the recommendations 4.13 to 4.36.

3.         To
recognise that this level of library provision is considered to
fulfil the City Council’s statutory obligations.

4.         To note
the extent to which the proposals will support the delivery of the
Council’s savings requirements as set out in the revenue
budget for 2025/26.

5.         To
approve the release of the £1m Library Investment policy
provision to be added to the capital programme as an immediate
start for building alterations and improvements, and to note the
availability of a further £1m within the current capital
programme to support this work.

Reasons for the decision

The reason for the
decision is to transform library and community services to ensure
communities have the right type of service offering for the future,
based on robust evidence gathering and delivered within the
constraints of a significantly reduced divisional budget.