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

Business Support Officer (Museums & Galleries NPO)

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£16,765 - £17,607
This is an exciting opportunity to support Kirklees Museums and Galleries in the development of its ambitious vision Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£30,024 - £33,699 pro rata
Higher Level Teaching Assistant Grade 7 £30,024 - £33,699 pro rata Full time, term time only + 2 weeks Permanent Required from 3rd November.  We wish Stanley
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader - Communication and Interaction

Durham County Council
Leadership 6 - 10 £58,569 - £64,691
We are looking for a Team Leader to join our highly valued and well-established Specialist SEND and Inclusion Support (SIS) Service. This is an addit Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Senior Business Analyst

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 per annum
Do you enjoy analysing problems, identifying opportunities, and delivering practical solutions? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Business Analyst

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 per annum
Do you enjoy analysing problems, identifying opportunities, and delivering practical solutions? Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner