Agenda item

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submits a report providing an update on the findings of the recent public consultation (April 2025 – June 2025) and provide commission members with an update on the future recommended delivery model for Libraries and Community Centres.

The Director of Neighbourhood and Environmental Services submitted a report providing an update on the findings of the recent public consultation (April 2025 – June 2025) and to provide commission members with an update on the future recommended delivery model for Libraries and Community Centres.

The Head of Neighbourhood Services introduced the item and gave an overview of the 3 attached reports. It was noted that:

• Recommendations had been developed over the previous two years with an assessment on service requirements.
• A high-profile public engagement had taken place over twelve weeks in 2023 with subsequent background work.
• Two reports were published in November 2024, and a consultation on proposals took place between April and June 25. Feedback received and an Assessment and Recommendations report were provided in the separate reports pack.

In response to member questions and discussion, it was noted that:

• Members expressed appreciation for the engagement work undertaken by officers.

• The proposed changes to opening hours were to take effect from September 2026, with savings delivered over a two-year period via a mixed delivery model. Any increase in charges would not be introduced until September of the following year, allowing residents time to prepare. Charges would be phased in over a two-year period.
• The Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process could take approximately 12–18 months for those entering into it.
• Some buildings were considered unsuitable for Community Asset Transfer due to their poor condition and the cost of necessary upgrades. These buildings would need to be sold, with services relocated where appropriate prior to disposal. Work would ensue with the communities and Ward Councillors.
• Consideration of footfall and system transactions had informed the proposals for library opening times. Feedback from the consultation was used to amend the proposals for the final recommendations. Varied user needs were taken into account to support equity of access, with the aim of providing a well-distributed pattern of staffed hours.
• Arrangements would be made for existing community groups to continue accessing the facilities. Feedback from groups had been considered, and requests for staff presence on site for example for children’s homework clubs or for community groups who are unable to self-access had been acknowledged.
• Officers confirmed that the consultation work was undertaken internally, without the use of external advisers or consultants.
• Inductions and training would be provided for users accessing the service during non-staffed hours.
• Members highlighted the benefits of libraries for schoolchildren completing homework. It was agreed that collaboration with schools could be advantageous. Regarding homework clubs, it was noted that while opportunities to engage with schools remained, current proposals adequately covered this provision.
• Members emphasised the need for clear information on opening times.
• Members stressed the importance of the community services for elderly people.
• Members noted the role of libraries and community centres in supporting individuals whose first language is not English. It was suggested that provision of international newspapers should be considered.
• Members suggested that once changes took effect, regular meetings with users should be held to gather feedback.

Councillor Barton left during consideration of this item.

The Chair proposed an amendment to the Assessment & Recommendations Report for Libraries and Community Centres as follows:

The Culture and Neighbourhood Scrutiny Commission proposes that Section 1.18 of the Assessment & Recommendations Report for Libraries and Community Centres be amended to reflect the following. The Commission recognises the financial pressures facing the Council and the need to identify savings and notes that the Fosse Neighbourhood Centre (FNC) is a large and expensive building to operate. It also notes the Council’s intention to dispose of the site.

The Commission proposes that the report clearly states that the Council will make every effort to dispose of the FNC to a suitable community organisation for a nominal fee, so that all current services can continue to operate from the building. If this is not possible and the FNC must be sold on the open market, the report should confirm that the Council will secure suitable alternative accommodation within Fosse Ward for all services currently delivered from the FNC.

The Commission further proposes that the report states that all services will continue to operate from the FNC until alternative accommodation is identified, agreed, and ready for use.

In addition, the Commission requests that the report includes a clear expectation that if the FNC is sold, both the Council as seller and any future owner will ensure the site is properly secured and maintained, and does not become an eyesore, nuisance, or source of anti-social behaviour for local residents. There should also be a clear commitment that the site will be brought back into use and developed within an agreed and reasonable timeframe.

The Culture and Neighbourhood Scrutiny Commission asks that these amendments are incorporated into the final Assessment & Recommendations Report before it is submitted to the Executive for approval and sign-off.

This proposal was seconded by Councillor Waddington.

A member vote took place, 5 were in favour and 2 against, and the recommendation was therefore carried.

AGREED:

·       That the reports be noted.

·       That the recommendation agreed by the commission be considered by the Assistant City Mayor and Executive before a decision is made.

There being no other items to discuss, the meeting concluded at 19:10.