Issue - meetings

The Leader advised the meeting that two deputations had been received in relation to item 12 on the agenda, proposed relocation of Highgate Library service.

Deputation 1 -Save Highgate Library

The first deputation was from the Save Highgate Library Group, and the Leader invited the group’s deputation spokesperson, Natasha Sivanandan to put forward the group’s representations.

The group was in opposition to the relocation of Highgate Library service and to the potential future disposal of the site. They referred to the gathering local concern about the future of Highgate Library, reflected in a petition that had collected over 2000 signatures in a three-week period.

Ms Sivanandan spoke about the benefits of the Highgate Library for the community and attributed reduced attendance to the closure of the Library on Saturdays. It was further contended that adding a Library service to a multiple use arts centre would not work well and there was no obligation on Jacksons Lane to provide a Library on site.

The group questioned the public engagement being led by the architect as they felt this constituted a conflict of interest. They questioned why a Council led public consultation had not been held before an in principle decision was being put forward to Cabinet.

It was felt that taking an in principle decision to relocate the Library and dispose of the Highgate Library building was premature and would be difficult to deescalate once taken, and would also not allow consideration in future to opposing views.

The group called on the Cabinet to consider the unique aspects of Highgate Library, the important role of libraries in the community and asked Cabinet not to ignore the views of local people. They asked that no in principle decisions are taken before a public consultation exercise.

The Leader thanked the deputation party and responded to the representations.

The Leader began by highlighting the cuts imposed on Councils over the last 7 years which had resulted in a 40% reduction in Council budgets and meant the Council had had to re-assess how it delivered services. The Council had always been committed to a universal public service offer and Libraries were at the core of this offer as a place to learn and socialise. The Cabinet report highlighted the care given to Library provision and the fact that no Libraries had closed in the past 7 years was evident of this commitment.

However, it was important for the Council to give regard to the falling numbers of Library visitors, across the country and the new and emerging priorities for local people, also ensuring that Libraries were fit for purpose in the 21^st century.

The Leader further emphasised that the arrangement being sought with Jacksons Lane Arts Centre was co-location of the Library and not a merger. A feasibility study was being conducted to ensure that there was dedicated space for the Library that is accessible and allows quite study and social activities. The feasibility study was being conducted with an open mind, expected to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10