Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive

The report presents an update on the plans for the restoration of Library Services whilst we continue to live with Covid-19, including an update on plans for the One Stockport Hub.

The approach is based on the guiding principles as set out in the report and considers the impact on customer journey, costs, resources needed and the level of risk.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to:-

·         Note the Council’s current position, work undertaken and the next steps for the restoration of further library buildings.

·         Note the One Stockport Hub update, consultation findings and steps the Council has taken to address the findings.

Officer Contacts: Kirsteen Roe on 07967 673484

or email kirsteen@roe@stockport.hov.uk, and Emma Handby at emma.handby@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting an update on the plans for the restoration of Library Services whilst we continue to live with Covid-19, including an update on plans for the One Stockport Hub.

The approach was based on the guiding principles as set out in the report and considered the impact on customer journey, costs, resources needed and the level of risk.

The Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus and Engagement (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         With regard to the guidance provided in the Libraries Connected Restoration Toolkit, a a Member felt that the Council should be in (d) as set out in paragraph 2.5 of the report where, for example, there was an increased number of libraries open and the majority of staff were working in the libraries.

·         The need for greater publicity when libraries were to re-open was highlighted.

·         A Member felt that the staffing difficulties, as set out in paragraph 3 of the report, was the problem. The library buildings were not, and should never have been, the problem.

·         Members would be advised when the Cheadle Hulme and Heald Green libraries would open in the new year, assuming that Stockport remained in Tier 3 or lower and that any restrictions did not affect library operations.

·         As the move of the Central Library to the new One Stockport hub was only temporary, a Member enquired about the risk of fitting out the former Argos building for the hub.

·         More detail was requested with regard to how the temporary move of the Central library to the new One Stockport Hub building was to be funded.

·         It was proposed to move the full selection of books to the One Stockport Hub, although not all the books would be on display.

·         The Central Library would move back to its current building once Government guidance permitted this to happen. The One Stockport community hub would remain, but it could move to a different building on Adlington Walk if the Council was successful in its bid to the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.