Lib Dems secure commitment on libraries

York’s Liberal Democrat councillors have secured a commitment from the council administration to work with York Explore to retain the number of staffed libraries and library services, despite the Labour authority forcing through a £600k cut to the city’s library service.

At a Full Council meeting held on 21 March, a motion was proposed by Strensall ward Lib Dem councillor Tony Fisher which called on Labour council bosses to engage with service users and elected members of all parties to ensure that future library provision in York continues to meet residents’ needs and expectations.

The motion also called on Labour Executive Members to work with York Explore to ensure that the mobile library service will not be cut. However an amendment tabled by Labour Executive Member Cllr Jo Coles watered down the wording of the original motion, which meant that rather than ruling out a cut to the mobile library, the revised wording referred to ‘reform’ of the mobile library service. Lib Dem councillors voted against the amendment, but it was voted through by Labour.

Cllr Andrew Hollyer, Lib Dem spokesperson for York Outer, commented:

“I am pleased that we were able to once again highlight the importance of York’s libraries for all of our communities. Over 3,000 residents have signed my petition against Labour’s avoidable £600k cut to York’s library service, which shows the strength of feeling on this issue.

“It was disappointing that Labour councillors watered down the wording of our motion in relation to the mobile library. I very much hope that when they talk about ‘reform’, this isn’t code for a reduction or removal of the service. We will continue to hold them to account on behalf of the residents who rely on this service.”