Cut in library budget sparks angry claims - The Worcester Observer

Cut in library budget sparks angry claims

Worcester Editorial 3rd Dec, 2014 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

A LEADING Labour councillor has slammed proposals to cut a further £50,000 from public library funding in 2015/16.

Coun Paul Denham, Labour spokesman on children and families at Worcestershire County Council, said the Corporate Plan, which outlines the spending reductions, is Conservatives ‘looking after the wealthier areas’ and not those with greater needs.

He also said Labour councillors are concerned this could reduce the number of new books bought and affect access to the internet in the city’s libraries.

“Our Conservative leadership signed a £20million deal to make high speed broadband available to 90 per cent of households, mainly in rural areas,” Coun Denham said.




“But almost half of residents living in social housing cannot afford even slow internet access at home, let alone high-speed broadband.

“Poorer families depends heavily on public libraries to access the internet and borrow books. Their children’s educational opportunities will be reduced when these cuts go ahead.


“Once again, we see local Tory politicians spending our taxes looking after the wealthier areas of the county and ignoring those with greater needs, including many residents in Tolladine, Brickfields, Dines Green and Warndon.

The plan was delivered by the county council and outlines future cuts to public services, with The Hive included, however Coun Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for localism and communities, refuted Coun Denham’s claims.

“Once again the main opposition party have muddled fact and fiction,” Coun Hodgson said.

“It is no secret we live in challenging economic times, however, we must stress we are proud to be able to say all our libraries remain open and are one of the most efficient library services in terms of cost throughout the country.

“In addition to the financial savings, we also refute the claim both library stock and internet access could be limited to residents. We have no plans to reduce internet access or for that matter, the number of computers.

“Finally, I cannot emphasise enough our passion about improving children’s literacy.

This passion was carrier across to the fantastic success of the Summer Reading Challenge that was held in the summer throughout the county.”

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