Labour approve libraries funding cuts

Labour-run City of York Council has approved a cut of £600,000 in the funding it provides to York Explore, the organisation contracted to run York’s libraries.

At the Budget Council meeting held on 22 February the Liberal Democrats put forward two budget amendments that would have scrapped this cut, but these were rejected by the ruling Labour Party.

One of the amendments proposed by the Liberal Democrats was backed by the Conservatives. It that sought to use additional funds From Government to allow the libraries cut to be reversed.

Questions remain unanswered about exactly what this will mean for York’s libraries and archives.

Councillor Darryl Smalley, the Lib Dem Executive Member responsible for libraries up until May 2023, said:

“The Liberal Democrats put forward a simple amendment to stop the cut to our libraries. This amendment would only have used the additional unexpected funds the Government has given us and was supported by the Conservative group and local Green Party representatives.

“Under the Liberal Democrats, funding for York’s libraries was protected every single year. It’s shameful that Labour’s first act is to cut their budget.

“We now must have urgent answers from the Labour administration about exactly which libraries services will be cut, which staff are going to be made redundant and if we will see the closure of any libraries.”