To undertake a pre-decision scrutiny of the Welsh Library Standards Report. The report of the Portfolio Holder for Young People and Culture is attached.
Minutes:
The Committee undertook a pre-decision scrutiny of the report of the Portfolio Holder for Young People and Culture.
The Committee was advised that the Council was continuing to work with communities in relation to libraries. The quality indicators in the report showed an improvement on the previous year. The contribution of partners and volunteers was very important to the service. The report was for 2018/19 and is an interpretation by Welsh Government of library standards in Wales which includes 12 core entitlements and 16 quality indicators, 10 of which have targets.
Question / Comment: There is no reference to dilemmas for the future in the documents. Are maintaining and improving standards possible with the future financial position for the Council? |
Response: Yes as long as the Council works with volunteers and continues partnership working. It should be possible to maintain services for the future. |
Question / Comment: Does this mean that all libraries can be kept open in future? |
Response: If the Council gets the relationship right there is no reason why we cannot keep the current number of libraries, but there is a need to work with communities. |
Question / Comment: The Council is willing to work with communities. There has been a review of libraries over 12 months and evidence that a reduced number of opening hours has reduced usage of libraries. There is a need from the Council to assist libraries as well. |
Response: The long term stability of libraries is important. The model in Herefordshire is that some smaller libraries are volunteer led. There is a long way to go and assurances cannot be given about libraries. There needs to be some voluntary led services but supported by specialist library staff. |
Question / Comment: The Communities are on side at present, but they may not be in 12 to 18 months. |
Response: The Portfolio Holder indicated that she wanted to visit all libraries in Powys again and continue the dialogue with communities. |
Question / Comment: Why are we supporting buildings such as Y Gaer rather than libraries? |
Response: Each library is unique. However, all the libraries either large or small need volunteer involvement. |
Question / Comment: Events for people with special requirements – is this disabled people or those with other requirements? |
Response: The definition of special requirements is very broad. In relation to events for people with special requirements, the Council badges all events as inclusive. |
Question / Comment: For some of the individuals who are reluctant to come along, can the Council target those groups / individuals as its concerning that the target is not being met? |
Response: With Integrated Care Funding and other funding, the Council in 2019/20 is working with various groups and volunteers to try and improve on this target. |
Question / Comment: How does the Council improve on the target regarding reading material? |
Response: It would take a budget increase of £100k for the Council to meet this target. |
Question / Comment: When the Council decides on access to libraries there is no consultation with communities on what times of day and days are best for communities. |
Response: It is agreed that there should be consultation with communities as there's a need to maximise the availability of libraries for the benefit of residents. |
Question / Comment: Welsh Government has published indicators of deprivation. How are we going to use libraries to engage with people? |
Response: There is a need to engage people and make libraries more relevant to them as well as make them more aware of what is already on offer. Work can be undertaken with individual libraries to see what can be done. |
Question / Comment: Despite austerity, libraries are successful. What is the Council doing to value its staff? |
Response: Staff have been recognised by means of the staff awards. |
The Committee expressed its thanks to the service for its work.
Outcome:
The report and the responses to questions were noted.
Supporting documents: