Cabinet to reconsider Library Strategy

This is to allow for additional consultation work with members of the public to be carried out on the implementation of the strategy. It follows a number of representations from the public on the back of the initial decision being taken which have expressed a desire to be involved in the strategy's next steps. The decision to consult on the implementation plan comes following legal advice after a request to challenge the decision was made by objectors. 

The matter will come before a future St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet meeting with the recommendation that a six-week consultation should take place, the results of which will feed into the final implementation plan recommendations, which will then be taken next year. 

This means that current libraries will remain open, after the 31^st October 2022 whilst we consult further, continue discussions with community groups on the community managed model and also continue to develop the library outreach model.

Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said: "We know that libraries are an incredibly emotive subject for many people and the previous decision was not one we took lightly. Our vision for library services in our borough is to transform the service and make it fit for the future by taking into account the changing way that people use the service, whether through online or home delivery service. 

"These next steps will make sure that the decision process is even more robust and another opportunity for the public to talk about how they see the service operating and fitting into our modern times. This feedback will then inform our Library Strategy implementation plan and help model its delivery." 

More details on the consultation will be available in the coming months.