Issue - meetings

To receive an update from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services on the Library Service opening times consultation.

The Committee received a presentation with information on the Library Service opening hours consultation which had run from 3-17 August 2020.

Members heard that the consultation had contained a proposed set of opening hours for each library in Hampshire and had asked for comment on it. Over four thousand responses had been received with 72% of respondents considering that their needs would be met by the proposed opening hours. The Committee noted how specific consideration had been given to areas which received higher dissatisfaction rates and reviewed some proposals which had been considered and discounted such as evening opening. The new opening hours structure was anticipated to be in place by 1 January 2021.

It was noted that the next stage of the consultation cycle involved a thorough staff consultation process which would run throughout September. This would incorporate a formal consultation with all staff and the opportunity to apply for Voluntary Redundancy by individuals if desired. Members were reassured to learn of the extensive support networks in place to assist staff throughout this process. As the Library Service Transformation programme continued to progress, the Committee were keen to continue to receive regular updates.

RESOLVED:

That the Culture and Communities Select Committee notes the presentation.