Laura Sharman 31 October 2014

Minister unlikely to intervene on Sheffield’s library changes

Sheffield Council's plan to allow volunteers to run its 15 branch libraries have been branded ‘thorough and well considered’ by the Government.

Minister for culture, Ed Vaizey, has written to the council saying he is ‘not currently minded’ to conduct an inquiry into the council’s proposals. A local campaign group has claimed the plans mean the council is not meeting its legal duties.

Cllr Mazher Iqbal, Sheffield City Council’s cabinet member for communities and public health, said: ‘We are delighted that the minister is not planning to carry out an inquiry into our library changes as things stand. He intervened very late in the day after having information for months, in a move that could have ultimately closed library branches. Obviously we’re waiting for him to confirm his decision but things look positive.

‘We’ve worked really hard with the people of Sheffield to find a solution that works for the city in the face of searing funding cuts. The response from the volunteer groups has been fantastic and it’s thanks to them that all our libraries remain open.’

Mr Vaizey will make a final decision on the plans by 20 November, which aim to save the council £1.67m.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cabinet Assistant

Essex County Council
£24394.0000 - £28699.0000 per annum
Cabinet AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£28,699 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - West Essex

Essex County Council
£36101.0000 - £48622.0000 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
This position is open to Experienced and Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSW). The starting salary for a NQSW is £33,885 per annum, rising to £36,10 England, Essex, Harlow
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Practitioner - Children in Care

Essex County Council
£45217 - £54395 per annum + + 27 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Senior Practitioner - Children in CareFixed Term, Full Time£45,217 to £54,395 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Tourism – North Yorkshire Council

North Yorkshire Council
£56,443-£64,951
Our visitor economy is a priority sector for us. It adds over £4 billion of economic value a year... Northallerton/ Hybrid
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Panel Administrator

Durham County Council
Grade 5 £25,584 - £27,711
We have an exciting new opportunity for a Panel Administrator Durham (County)
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.