Decision Details

Proposer: Councillor Cory
 
M... Motion that:-
 
This Council notes with sadness the public consultation launched by Essex County Council to close libraries across the county, including within the borough of Colchester. Whether complete closure or transition to volunteer run services, this Council cannot accept the irreversible impact such plans have upon the social mobility and educational opportunities of our residents. 

This Council believes that education and information are fundamental for individuals to be socially mobile. For centuries, Libraries have provided people with available and accessible books, information and educational resources. This historic principle is now under threat in our borough. 

Colchester Borough residents access many services provided at our libraries, not just books, but free Internet, DVDs, audio texts, a range of Council Services, CAB support and much more. Libraries form a bedrock of our communities and their social fabric. 

This Council believes that Essex County Council should focus on greater sharing of services with Borough, Town and Parish Councils, and other community groups interested in keeping vital libraries services available to all. 

Therefore, we call upon the Leader of the Council to write directly to the County Council Cabinet Member (for Customer Services) to stop the consultation and closure plans. Furthermore, this Council calls upon Essex County Council to pursue alternative arrangements of greater service sharing with appropriate partners.

In support of Essex County Council, this Council calls upon the Leader of the Council to also write to the Secretary of State for Education and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to offer the needed resources to support the continued funding of vital library services across this County and many others. 

As the motion relates to a non executive function it will be debated and determined at the meeting.