Note of Clarification : 25 April
I feel it only fair, having received a note from Roy Clare on 25th April, that I should distinguish the actions of the MLA from those Roy takes personally. He is, of course, responsible for the work of the MLA, but has rights as an individual, too. The way I phrased part of my letter to the Secretary of State could possibly be read as a personal attack on Roy, when the criticism was directed at the MLA, albeit under Roy's leadership.
Shirley's Letter to DCMS : 24th April
The Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP
Secretary of State
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5DH
Your Ref : 09-112998
24 April 2009
Dear Secretary of State
Thank you for your Department’s letter dated 21st April 2009, directed to me by Mr Dempster Marples, of your Public Engagement and Recognition Unit -- in response to mine to you, of 26th February.
I understand that, in light of your powers of investigation and intervention under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, and given the information available to you on receipt of my February letter, you were not minded to intervene in Swindon at that time.
However, matters have come to light subsequently which are relevant and which might cause you to reconsider.
• The council draft plan for libraries called 'Libraries: Value for Money Savings 2009/10' lists 9 (nine) community libraries earmarked for future closure or to be run as book-lending points manned by volunteers. It is the only plan which explains the closure of 4 libraries named in the budget for 2009-10. After its revelation the council have attempted to label it as confidential for reasons that have not been made clear
• It is clear that in this plan, and from statements by councillors, that the council regards the improvement to the central library alone makes for a more comprehensive library service than a number of well-stocked and staffed community libraries. Our view is the opposite and we contend that the comprehensive quality of a library service to its communities lies equally in the smaller, local libraries. In this way we assert that, by closing such a number of community libraries the council plans will make the library service in Swindon 'significantly less comprehensive' for 'those who wish to use it'
• The overall (gross) budget for the public library service (as shown in CIPFA data) is £4.5m for 17 libraries. The budget proposed for 2009-10 seeks a reduction in cost of £100,000. The saving to be made is minimal for a substantial cut in the number of community libraries. For this reason we contend that the proposed changes will make the library service 'significantly less efficient'
• In your fourth paragraph you mention Roy Clare, Chief Executive of the MLA. I regret to report that, although Roy Clare was indeed keen to hear the concerns of local users in February 2009, his subsequent actions have, however, not focused on the issues which most concern them and have dismayed residents who have written to express their concern. This matter has become a subject of formal complaint to your own Department
• A complaint concerning the process and conduct of Swindon Borough Council has been endorsed by Anne Snelgrove, MP for South Swindon, and submitted to the Ombudsman early this week. I would be happy to supply you with copies of the detail
Your letter to me of 21st April, concludes that "the responsibility for public library services in Swindon lies with the local authority, which is accountable to the communities it serves". While that is correct, the 1964 Act also clearly stipulates that the role of the Minister of State is to superintend the activities of each local council in its provision of the service and gives powers to intervene when there is evidence that the service falls short of it requirements of being comprehensive and efficient for those who wish to use it.
I therefore respectfully request, once again, that you consider intervening in Swindon, using your powers under that Act.
Yours sincerely
Shirley E Burnham
cc : Dempster Marples, Public Engagement & Recognition Unit, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5DH