Hornchurch & Upminster MP meets Libraries Minister in parliament as opposition deepens to Council’s plan to cut four Havering libraries.
Plans by the Residents’ Association-Labour administration in Havering Town Hall to cut four of the borough’s libraries were raised in parliament yesterday by local MP, Julia Lopez. The Hornchurch & Upminster representative sought the advice of Libraries Minister, Lord Parkinson, in a meeting about the legal duties on the borough to provide a universal library service to Havering’s residents.
It comes after Mrs Lopez wrote to Havering’s Council Leader, Cllr Ray Morgon, to oppose his administration’s plans. In the letter Mrs Lopez asked questions about the Council’s financial calculations as the authority seeks to shut four of Havering’s ten libraries, including in Harold Wood and Elm Park.
Havering Council announced its plans on the 10th of May in a public consultation that will run until August. But Mrs Lopez believes more information is needed about the RA-Labour coalition’s thinking, as she challenged the long-term strategy behind the decision.
Given the Council’s projected £350,000 saving made by shrinking Havering’s library network, Mrs Lopez has asked Cllr Morgon whether his administration’s plan is to offload the sites for development.
Mrs Lopez has pushed for information about Cabinet discussions on the valuations of each library site, whether any redevelopment plans include the provision of libraries and if the Council’s plan would change should the purchase of Hornchurch Police Station no longer be required, or if business rates projections are revised.
Mrs Lopez has teamed up with local London Assembly Member and Leader of Havering Conservative group, Cllr. Keith Prince AM, to oppose the closures, throwing her support behind his petition to keep at-risk libraries in the borough’s hands.
While responsibility for managing library services sits with local authorities, the government has a role in ensuring councils meet their legal duty to provide a comprehensive library service. A Libraries Improvement Fund is also in operation to upgrade library services in England. Lord Parkinson and Mrs Lopez discussed the ways in which libraries help councils meet other legal duties, including supporting children with special educational needs.
Julia Lopez, MP for Hornchurch and Upminster, said:
The importance of Havering’s libraries goes beyond traditional book-lending. They are community hubs from which people can access computers, book meeting rooms, scan and print documents, and access certain council services.
That is why there is a statutory duty on councils to provide comprehensive library services - something that Lord Parkinson reiterated today in Parliament.
The Council’s plans lack transparency, so I have written to Cllr Morgon to get residents the information they need. I have been actively helping the Council with its budget challenges, but they cannot expect to duck scrutiny of, and accountability for, every decision they make. These closures are short sighted and represent a tiny saving - a fraction of a percent of Havering’s overall budget.
Cllr Keith Prince AM commented:
The proposals put forward by Havering Council to potentially close up to four local libraries is extremely disappointing. Our libraries are hugely important community assets, being hubs for learning, accessing vital support services and so much more.
The current plans will save Havering Council very little money but will be a massive loss to our community. Unfortunately, we have seen no evidence to suggest that the Council have explored alternative options which would avoid the loss of these libraries all together.
Julia Lopez’s letter to Havering Council can be read below.
Get involved in the Campaign!
- Sign Keith Prince AM’s petition.
- Share their views in Havering Council’s official consultation.
- Write to Julia Lopez MP sharing their thoughts.
- Join the local Facebook group opposing their closure.
