Ellie Ames 05 April 2024

Brum consults on £2.3m library cuts

Brum consults on £2.3m library cuts image
Image: nvphoto / Shutterstock.com

Cash-strapped Birmingham City Council has launched a consultation on how it will cut £2.3m from its library budget.

The local authority, which issued a section 114 notice in September, said the number of community libraries could be cut from 35 to 25.

It has also proposed reduced opening hours, transferring library services to community groups, and expanding libraries at home and mobile provision.

The draft Birmingham Strategic Framework for Library Services 2024-29 says the council has a 'savings requirement' of £1m for 2024-25 and £2.3m for 2025-26.

The council said that 'while savings have been announced, final decisions have not been made on what the library service will look like in the future'.

Birmingham also said there had been a reduction in the number of people visiting libraries since 2014, although demand for digital content was growing.

The Save Birmingham Campaign has said library closures would have ‘devastating impacts’ on residents and has called for assets to be transferred to community ownership.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Transport and Major Work Manager

Slough Borough Council
£54,556 to £60,085 per year Inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance of £1096
Drive the future of transport and infrastructure in Slough Slough, Berkshire
Recuriter: Slough Borough Council

Senior Planning Policy Officer

Hyndburn Borough Council
£38,220 to £39,862
Hyndburn is a great place to work. Accrington, Lancashire
Recuriter: Hyndburn Borough Council

Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £47,229 per annum
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Digital Infrastructure Manager

Hyndburn Borough Council
£39,152 - £41,771 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Digital Infrastructure Manager. Accrington, Lancashire
Recuriter: Hyndburn Borough Council

Customer Contact Centre Officer

Hyndburn Borough Council
£26,824 - £28,598 per annum
This is a versatile, busy and demanding role which requires an in depth knowledge of all customer facing services. Accrington, Lancashire
Recuriter: Hyndburn Borough Council
Linkedin Banner