Somerset County Council reverses its decision on Public Libraries

At a Somerset County Council meeting held yesterday, Wednesday 11th January 2012, councillors decided that proposes funding cuts to public libraries in Somerset will not now go ahead.

This move follows a Judicial Review decision in the London High Court on 16th November 2011 that found against the Council's proposed plans changes which included closure of 11 of the county's 34 libraries, cancellation of four of the six mobile libraries and a 20% decrease in opening hours at over 20 other libraries across Somerset.

The Judicial Review found that the Council had failed the public in three main areas.  It had failed to meet its statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service; it failed to adequately consult the public; and it failed to comply with its equalities duties.

As a result of yesterday's meeting all of these changes will not now go ahead, although the Council will be investing around £600,000 in self-service technology at some of the counties busiest libraries, namely Bridgwater, Burnham, Chard, Frome, Minehead, Street, Taunton, Wellington, Wells and Yeovil.

This may not be the end of the libraries debate however as the Council library service is due to be reviewed again within the next 18 months when the Council, that does need to save money, could in fact reach the same conclusions while adhering to correct procedures.

A full Council Report can be viewed here.