Library closures could be against law (From Southend Standard)
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Library closures could be against law
10:00am Monday 12th November 2012 in Southend
A PARLIAMENTARY committee has warned any plans to cut libraries in Southend could be against the law.
The Commons culture, media and sport select committee declared councils across the country were tip-toeing on edge of legality as they tried to slash costs.
Southend Council announced it would hold a “review” of the town’s six suburban branches, with the aim of squeezing even more cash from the already stripped-back system, in July.
However, under the Public Libraries and Museum Act 1964, local authorities have to maintain enough libraries to cater for most people.
Although it did not name councils, the select committee claimed some were making snap judgments “under considerable pressure to quickly find cost savings”.
John Whittingdale, chairman of the committee, added: “At the moment, councils appear to be somewhat in the dark about what is expected of them and are making decisions which are being overturned by judicial review.
“This is an expensive, undemocratic and generally unsatisfactory way of making policy.”
Comments(12)
Nebs
says...
10:34am Mon 12 Nov 12
Olivia2847 wrote:That is only about £1,000 per person living in the Borough.
When you realise how much money they have control over in their so called 'budget' iro £180 million. I am glad that they will have to account for their spending plans .......
jayman
says...
10:43am Mon 12 Nov 12
any time Southend council announce a public consultation, replace the word consultation with 'cuts' or 'delivery'
question 112.5/b
would you
A, like to have a reduction in core services
B, prefer a reduction in core services.
C, opt for a reduction in core services.
D, enable us to make the decisions we want anyway and also remove any political heat we may sustain while enacting options A, B, and C..... basically, we want to continue our 'easy number' here at the civic centre, well! why else would anyone become a political representative? to feather our own nest of course..
notinwestcliffanymore
says...
12:30pm Mon 12 Nov 12
Olivia2847
says...
1:40pm Mon 12 Nov 12
notinwestcliffanymorAnother erudite comment from our overseas correspondent!
e wrote:
Jayman you forgot option E, STOP WASTING MONEY ON THE BOURGH'S LAZY, FECKLESS, DRUG ADDICTED AND ILLEGAL POPULATION.
notinwestcliffanymore
says...
2:11pm Mon 12 Nov 12
Max Impact
says...
7:00pm Mon 12 Nov 12
notinwestcliffanymorSo don't look, and don't comment, stick to whatever cesspit you are living in.
e wrote:
Indeed well read, and once had the pleasure of living in Westcliff, I've seen where the council's money is spent. It ain't a pretty sight.
It's always the same with people like you, slag off one place but can find no fault with yours, I'm guessing you live in Utopia a Garden of Eden where the sun always shines, the paths are made from gold, and the sky full of diamonds, unemployment is zero, nobody smokes, nobody drinks, no drugs, no crime, everything is free and when it rains it rains money, everyone is fit and healthy, no sickness, everybody had everything they could everwant...
Olivia2847
says...
11:01pm Mon 12 Nov 12
notinwestcliffanymorWhich is why you moved and what a relief that is .....
e wrote:
Indeed well read, and once had the pleasure of living in Westcliff, I've seen where the council's money is spent. It ain't a pretty sight.
Olivia2847
says...
11:02pm Mon 12 Nov 12
Max Impact wrote:Must be Canvey the ;->
notinwestcliffanymorSo don't look, and don't comment, stick to whatever cesspit you are living in.
e wrote:
Indeed well read, and once had the pleasure of living in Westcliff, I've seen where the council's money is spent. It ain't a pretty sight.
It's always the same with people like you, slag off one place but can find no fault with yours, I'm guessing you live in Utopia a Garden of Eden where the sun always shines, the paths are made from gold, and the sky full of diamonds, unemployment is zero, nobody smokes, nobody drinks, no drugs, no crime, everything is free and when it rains it rains money, everyone is fit and healthy, no sickness, everybody had everything they could everwant...
notinwestcliffanymore
says...
7:26am Tue 13 Nov 12
notinwestcliffanymore
says...
9:02am Tue 13 Nov 12
The sooner we leave the EU the better regardless of the cost so we then stop becoming the dosser capital of Europe for all and sundry to screw us blind .....
..
.you seem to have a change of opinion since you posted about the state of westcliff>>>
Max Impact
says...
2:28pm Tue 13 Nov 12
notinwestcliffanymorWhere then, Broadmoor Hospital, where trolls like you enjoy life.
e wrote:
Ha i got got out of westcliff because A, most of the school's are sh4t and English is a second langauge, B, I was fed up with all the lovely houses that have been ruined by turning them into bedsits. C, Sick of having to step over beggers all over HCR. D, The feeling of being unsafe when walking around there after dark and the constant threat of crime. E, Having to live nextdoor to the epitome of benefit Britain, six in the house no job between them, two dirty great dogs, cr$p all over the garden, duvet for curtains and the waft of skunk always avaliable.. yeah right you can keep it. Where i am ain't perfect but at least it has got civic respect.
Olivia2847 says...
10:16am Mon 12 Nov 12