Library Closure Debate (Begins at 56 minutes)1,2
This was the best debate in recent years. Thoughtful and insightful points were made in an ultra-positive environment. Great stuff.
Martin Goode (56mins) set the tone. Firstly, placing libraries in the community and then forensically analysing the financial actualité. A lot of the savings is staffing. However, Havering has a no redundancy policy so there is an over-statement of savings.
Two councillors3 explained the importance of libraries to their, and every body’s, childhood. Dilip Patel (1:25) quoted Woodford Green library as an example of creative regeneration. This set the scene for ‘thinking outside the box’, a point approvingly made by Ray Morgon (2:16) to Keith Prince’s (2:19) surprise. The consultation didn’t offer alternatives to closure.
Philip Ruck (1:31) favours morally correct decisions. James Glass (1:49) is refreshingly optimistic unlike HRA, which embraces ‘victimhood’. Chris Wilkins (1:22) exemplifies victimhood: he’s wedded to ‘Loans and Savings’. He’s oblivious to the £1.5m that a 1% council tax increase offers, an option “that dare not speak its name”.4
Graham Williamson (1:44) stunned councillors by saying that libraries are ‘subsidised’. They’re a public service, which might surprise him, as he implies they’re failing businesses. Gillian Ford was outraged that Prince wanted to conclude the debate even if it went on beyond 10:30 (2:00).5 He said HRA are led by officers. Council officers, as a group, have reductionist attitudes: ‘You want savings? Here they are!’
Four libraries might close to ‘save’ 0.55% of the deficit.
Best sarcasm: Philip Ruck
Best politics: Brian Eagling (1:28)
Absentee councillors: Nine, which is outrageous.
Notes
1 Annotator Player (mediasite.com) All times relate to this webcast
2 Motions.pdf (havering.gov.uk) For the wording of the motion and amendments
3 Mandy Anderson and Judith Holt made significant speeches on this point.
4 Havering Council Tax: Is It Too Low? – Politics in Havering
5 A close vote 25:21 casts doubt on this
Politics in Havering 