Mark Whitehead 11 December 2017

Council spending on libraries falls by £66m in last year

Spending on libraries has fallen for the seventh year running because of the squeeze on council funding, according to financial experts.

CIPFA says total expenditure on council-run libraries fell by £66m last year, paid staff numbers were down 5% and there were 105 fewer libraries.

During the same time period visits to libraries fell by 3%, adding to a 14% decline over five years.

CIPFA chief executive Rob Whiteman said libraries were the 'low hanging fruit' for councils to make savings, but had proved they are important community assets.

In its annual survey, CIPFA says that while library resources continue to bear the brunt of austerity, the support they have received to fill resource gaps, including specific grants from the Government and other bodies, rose last year by 6%.

Volunteer numbers increased by 8%, making a total rise of 43% since 2012.

Mr Whiteman said: 'Cuts in local authority funding are forcing councils to make difficult choices about which services they can afford.

'Unfortunately for libraries and library users, this is a low hanging fruit that continues to be picked.

'But it isn’t all doom and gloom, as libraries are continuing to modernise while volunteer numbers have increased, proving that libraries remain an important community asset.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner