Issue - meetings

This report updates members on the implementation of the Libraries Transformation Project, including the closure of the six libraries.

Noted.

The report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services updated members on the implementation of the Libraries Transformation project approved at the meeting of the Executive on 11 April 2011. The decisions were called in for scrutiny by the Call in Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 27 April 2011 and the report responded to the scrutiny committee’s recommendation that the existing libraries or suitable alternative local premises be available for young people throughout the 2011 exam period.

Councillor Lorber (Leader of the Opposition) addressed the Executive and referred to the discussion at the meeting of the Call in Overview and Scrutiny Committee. He put that the report before members did not fully address concerns as the 2011 exam period did not end in July but only after students had received their results and had had the opportunity to retake and improve grades where necessary. He sought clarification on the number of students expected to re-sit exams and expressed the view that after the closure of six libraries the remaining facilities would be insufficient.

Councillor Powney (Lead Member, Environment and Neighbourhoods) in response stated that he had attended a Youth Parliament meeting as part of the consultation process. He put that all concerns were being addressed and felt that Councillor Lorber’s concerns were misplaced.

RESOLVED:

that the report be noted.