William Eichler 09 December 2015

Future of council-run libraries under threat after £50m slashed from budgets

Funding for council-run libraries was slashed by £50m over the last year bringing into question their long-term sustainability, according to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

CIPFA’s annual survey revealed that the total expenditure for UK library services fell by £50m in one year; from £0.99bn (2013-14) to £0.94bn (2014-15). It also learnt the number of libraries fell from 4,023 (2013-14) to 3,917 (2014-15).

Other findings included a drop in the number of visits; from 276m (2013-14) to 265m (2014-15). There was also a 3.8% decline in FTE paid library staff.

The survey did, however, record an 18.7% increase in volunteer numbers.

The results of the survey confirm a trend of steady decline since 2010. Gross expenditure, according to CIPFA, has been reduced by more than £180m (16%) over the course of the last Parliament. Over the same period, visits have fallen by 13.6%.

Rob Whiteman, the chief executive of CIPFA, said: ‘Once more, our annual library survey makes for grim reading. Cost cutting measures continue to hit unprotected services hard and fewer people are using public libraries.

'Yet there is some hope. Volunteer numbers have nearly doubled over the past five years. Tens of thousands of people are now giving their time to make sure these precious resources survive.’

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker - DBIT (Core) MID

Essex County Council
£37185.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - DBIT (Core) MIDFixed Term, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Social Worker - Neighbourhood Team

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
This is a part time opportunity for 22.5 hours per week. These hours will cover 3 days including a Thursday and Friday, plus one other day that can England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Markets Team Manager (Strategic Commissioning Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

School Effectiveness Partner

Essex County Council
£62725.0000 - £73793.0000 per annum
School Effectiveness PartnerPermanent, Full Time£62,725 to £73,793 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Officer - Danbury Park Community School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Officer - Danbury Park Community SchoolPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner