Agenda item

That the following comments be referred to the Public Accounts Select Committee:

1)    The Committee requested that the following comments be referred to the Public Accounts Select Committee on proposal COM_SAV_08: Reduction in opening hours at Lewisham Libraries.

2)    The Committee was concerned with the saving on reducing hours at Lewisham Libraries. The Committee felt that in light of the policy on “Warm Welcomes” and due to the hugely important role libraries play in supporting vulnerable residents such as through social prescribing, supporting digital inclusion and being a place of welcome to all residents, that it was essential that the impact of the cut was very carefully examined before any decision was made. Library usage by demographic use at different dates and times should be carefully examined to minimise any impact and consultation should take place with partners at community libraries. It was important to fully examine whether a cut in hours could have unintended consequences for the most vulnerable and cause additional costs to other services by residents’ needs having to be met in other and possibly more costly ways. 

3.1       Katharine Nidd, Head of Strategic Finance, Planning and Commercial, introduced the report to the Committee. Pinaki Ghoshal, Executive Director Children and Young People provided an overview of the savings directly relating to the Committee. David Murray, Interim Director of Culture, Learning and libraries was also in attendance online. In the subsequent discussion, the following key points were raised:

·         The Council was now in its 13^th year of budget reductions following cuts from central government and the budget had been reduced by £137 million since that time.

·         There was still uncertainty around the levels of cuts due to the financial settlement from government still not being confirmed as well as general economic uncertainty and the effects of the higher inflation rates.

·         Tables 5.8 and 5.13 in the report listed the decisions that were being proposed to be made by Mayor and Cabinet and by officers as per the scheme of delegation in the Council’s constitution.

·         Regarding the Equalities Impact Assessments (EAAs) on the proposal for CYP_SAV_04 - CYP Youth Service Budget Review, the Committee heard that the EAA would be carried out on specifc proposals but it was hoped that the reduction would be in back office functions and would therefore not have an effect on services. This would be monitored and EAAs completed as necessary.

·         Regarding the EAA on the Youth Offending Service Review CYP_SAV_05, the Committee heard that the saving would not cause any change in service as it was a reduction to consultancy costs and the work had already been completed and changes and learning were already embedded in the service.

·         Members of the Committee reaised concerns that a reduction in spending on youth services could cause additional spending in other areas such as to community services. The Committee heard that the details would be worked through closely with colleagues and partners to avoid this. The aim was for the cost reduction to be related to overheard costs and not impact service provision. If there was any reduction to service provision proposed, a full EAA would be completed.

·         All Directorates across the Council were considering any impacts their proposed cuts would have to other services and to partner organisations. Members of the Committee asked that it was closely monitored whether additional costs for waste collection caused an increase in fly-tipping.

·         The Committee heard that it would not be appropriate to add the cost of bulky waste to housing service charges as many residents did not use this service and service charges also went to the Housing Revenue Account rather than the general fund.

·         Regarding the budget cut proposal CYP_SAV_01 - review of children’s centres budget, the Committee were informed that the Department for Education had announced funding of £900,000 in 2022/23 and £1.5 million for 2023/24 which would therefore mean the total funding for family hubs would increase.

·         Members of the Committee raised concerns regarding the reduction in opening hours for libraries. In particular the role they were due to play in “Warm Welcomes” as well as other crucial roles such as in social prescribing. In response the Committee heard that the changes were proposed from April 2023 and the service was very aware of the possible impacts and would be looking in detail at who was accessing the libraries and when to try and minimise any impact. There would be consultation and research carried out as well as EAAs on any proposals relating to change of provision.

·         Regarding ALL_SAV_01 - absorption of £2m unfundedpay award, this was due to the pay award of £2355 per member of staff and £1925 for senior managers. The pay award was more than originally budgeted for with a total cost of £4.5 million more than the budgeted £2.7 million. Each directorate would therefore need to take an additional cut proportionate to their staff numbers to make up the £2 million shortfall.

·         Councillor Sheikh was invited to speak and requested that it be minuted that she would like an update on the budget reduction agreed in 2020/21 to the over 60s free swim and gym access.

3.2       RESOLVED:

That the following comments be referred to the Public Accounts Select Committee:

1)    The Committee requested that the following comments be referred to the Public Accounts Select Committee on proposal COM_SAV_08: Reduction in opening hours at Lewisham Libraries.

2)    The Committee was concerned with the saving on reducing hours at Lewisham Libraries. The Committee felt that in light of the policy on “Warm Welcomes” and due to the hugely important role libraries play in supporting vulnerable residents such as through social prescribing, supporting digital inclusion and being a place of welcome to all residents, that it was essential that the impact of the cut was very carefully examined before any decision was made. Library usage by demographic use at different dates and times should be carefully examined to minimise any impact and consultation should take place with partners at community libraries. It was important to fully examine whether a cut in hours could have unintended consequences for the most vulnerable and cause additional costs to other services by residents’ needs having to be met in other and possibly more costly ways.