Tandridge Buzz

Surrey County Council (SCC) has reversed its decision to have 10 libraries run by volunteers.

A judicial review of SCC’s plan for 10 community run libraries, including Lingfield and Warlingham, was brought by Surrey Library Action Movement (SLAM).

SCC and SLAM agreed that the Council would revoke the decision taken last September rather than revisit court – a decision formalised in a court order handed down today (2 May).

Mr Justice Wilkie had previously said that the Council’s decision to cut staff had been “unlawful” and hit out its “bland assertion” that volunteer staff would receive training.

The Council was found to be in breach of its Public Sector Equalities Duty in regard to the training provided to volunteers.

Gun to the head

“The County Council put a gun to the head of local people over this policy: ‘run your library for free or we will close it,’” said Lee Godfrey, spokesman for SLAM.

“It is good news that the High Court has finally put a stop to that nonsense.

“Surrey County Council has been sent a very clear and strong message – its library plans were ill-judged, unwanted and illegal. The Council had a good run over its library plans but it’s now over.”

He added: “The Council has spent a fortune on these library plans for no benefit – it’s now to time to cut its losses and not waste any more taxpayers’ money on the folly.”

Cabinet

SCC will now start a consultation to ask users of the 10 libraries what equalities training they think should be provided for volunteers at community partnered libraries. The Cabinet will re-consider the library plans on 19 June.

“Today’s order brings the court proceedings to close,” said Helyn Clack, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and the 2012 Games.

“We’ve agreed that the best course of action is to take the libraries plans back to Cabinet and make the decision again, with all the information we need about volunteer training.

“A lot of work has already gone into making sure community library volunteers receive the training they need to help people with disabilities and other special needs.

“I’d urge people to give us their views in this latest consultation so we can further enhance the training package we have created.

“We want everyone to enjoy using Surrey’s libraries. Our aim all along has been to keep all 52 branches open and allowing communities to run libraries would enable us to this.”

The High Court has deferred its decision until next week over the legality of Surrey County Council’s (SCC) community run library plans.

The judicial review of SCC’s plan for 10 community run libraries, including Lingfield and Warlingham, has been brought by Surrey Action Against Library Movement (SLAM).

SCC has already opened one community library at Byfleet and believes the policy is the only way it can keep all 52 libraries open in the wake of budget cuts.

SLAM campaigners claim that proper consultation was not carried out.

“We are hoping that the decision to force volunteers to run 10 libraries will be quashed, and that SCC will then consult with residents, library users and volunteers – and will consequently devise a long term vision for the library service that is sustainable, inclusive, and that recognises the value of well resourced and staffed libraries to local communities,” said SLAM spokesman Lee Godfrey.

The long awaited high court clash over Surrey County Council’s (SCC) controversial plans for community run libraries, manned by volunteers, gets underway today.

The judicial review of SCC’s plan for 10 community run libraries, including Lingfield and Warlingham, has been brought by Surrey Action Against Library Movement (SLAM).

SCC has already opened one community library at Byfleet and believes the policy is the only way it can keep all 52 libraries open in the wake of budget cuts.

SLAM campaigners attended a rally and lobby at Parliament yesterday, organised by the national campaigning group, Speak Up For Libraries.

“The Council has given an ultimatum to local residents – volunteer to run your library or we will close it,” said SLAM spokesman Lee Godfrey.

“The Council has not consulted local residents or library users over what they refer to themselves as a ‘radical’ plan.

“SCC has not listened to sensible alternatives that will actually save money and improve the service. Instead, they have ploughed on regardless with a policy that is unwanted, diminishes a service that consistently ranks the highest in satisfaction surveys of all Council provided services, and has cost more money to implement than it claims to save.”

Sensible adjustments

He added: “And let us not forget that the claimed savings amount to just 1/10,000th of the Council’s Budget in any case.

“That’s like a person on a salary of £25,000 needing to save the price of a cup of coffee from their annual spending.  

“You really have to ask whether it was worth the Council letting this go all the way to the High Court, with its attendant cost and effort, rather than just drop the plan or make suitable and sensible adjustments.”

Denise Saliagopoulos, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Community Services and the 2012 Games, said: “From the start we’ve been determined to try and keep all 52 of Surrey’s libraries open while branches are closing elsewhere in the country.

“Inevitably people’s opinions about our plans have varied but we’ve been hugely encouraged by the support we’ve received from people who understand we are trying to do what is best for Surrey’s libraries.”

The Judicial Review will take place on Monday and Tuesday at the Royal Courts of Justice on The Strand in London.

Campaigners have won the right to carry out a judicial review of Surrey County Council’s (SCC) plan for 10 community run libraries.

The Surrey Action Against Library Movement (SLAM) will now have its case against the Council heard on 20 February.

The High Court also upheld an injunction halting any further progress on the scheme, which includes Lingfield and Warlingham libraries, until the judicial review is held.

However, it did grant permission for Byfleet library to go ahead with its plans to reopen as a community library last week  but this could be returned to a fully staffed venue if SLAM wins the judicial review.

Potential abuse of power

“We are very pleased with the outcome and were heartened by the Judge’s comments that SLAM has shown a considerable commitment and dedication to the library service, and  has shown significant resilience in coping with the hard work and stress necessary to bring to the Court’s attention this ‘potential abuse of power’ by Surrey County Council,” said SLAM spokesman Lee Godfrey.

“This moment has been a long time coming. Surrey County Council has not consulted with library users, has not assessed the impacts of Community Partnered Libraries on the affected communities, and has avoided scrutiny of its plans at every turn.

“Now, finally, the Council’s plans will be held up to the scrutiny they have lacked throughout. It’s just a shame it’s taken an appeal to the High Court to achieve this.”

Disappointed

Surrey County Council said it was “disappointed” with the decision but was hopeful it could put its case forward at the Judicial Review.

“It’s important to say that the court has not passed judgement on our plans,” said Denise Saliagopoulos, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Community Services and the 2012 Games.

“This is just an order halting the process ahead of a hearing to look into our proposals.

“From the start we’ve been determined to try and keep all 52 of Surrey’s libraries open while branches are closing elsewhere in the country.

“The good news is that volunteers at Byfleet can go ahead with their plans, but overall we’re disappointed by the court’s decisions. It is a particular shame for those volunteers who were looking forward to launching their own community-run libraries.

“Inevitably people’s opinions about our plans have varied but we’ve been hugely encouraged by the support we’ve received from people who understand we are trying to do what is best for Surrey’s libraries.”

Surrey County Council has asked the High Court to lift an injunction against its community run libraries – but it has been accused of wasting tax payers money by an opposition campaign group.

The Surrey Library Action Movement (SLAM) group  secured an injunction at the end of January, while it seeks permission for a full Judicial Review of the controversial policy.

Surrey County Council had planned to run 10 libraries, including Lingfield and Warlingham, under volunteer schemes as part of an overall bid to save £200m over four years.

“Our aim is to keep all of Surrey’s 52 libraries open and help them to thrive, while elsewhere in the country libraries are closing,” said David Hodge, Leader of Surrey County Council.

“The first community library is due to open in Byfleet in just over a week. Not only have volunteers put a lot of hard work into getting to this stage, but we believe these plans offer a good future for these libraries.

“We understand some people don’t agree with our efforts to help communities run their libraries, but we have received a lot of support from people that understand we are doing what is best for Surrey’s libraries and the people who use them.”

The council is also concerned that the temporary court order, which says the authority cannot take “any irrevocable action” towards implementing its libraries plans, is ambiguous and therefore should be reversed.

The county council does not believe it prevents the authority from continuing to work with the many volunteers who have come forward.

SLAM said the Council had turned an offer of a settlement.

“There is a sensible and cost-effective way out of this for Surrey County Council, but in not agreeing to put an end to the legal case, and bringing up technicality after technicality, the Conservatives at County Hall seem insistent on spending as much taxpayers’ money as possible on defending their ill-thought out plans,” said SLAM spokesman Lee Godfrey.

Campaigners have won a High Court injunction halting Surrey County Council’s (SCC) plans for 10 community run libraries.

The Surrey Library Action Movement (SLAM)group  said it was “very happy” the injunction had been secured.

The injunction means that the community run library scheme can not start before SLAM has sought permission for a Judicial Review.

Surrey County Council had planned to run 10 libraries, including Lingfield and Warlingham, under volunteer schemes as part of an overall bid to save £200m over four years while keeping all 52 libraries open.

SLAM has engaged the services of Public Interest Lawyers, who represented Gloucestershire and Somerset campaigners in their successful challenge. A High Court judge ruled that both councils must reverse their policies on libraries.

The injunction, issued by The Hon Mr Justice Wyn Williams, said: “The Defendant [Surrey County Council] shall take no irrevocable steps towards implementing the Community Partnered Libraries (CPLs) decision impugned in these proceedings until further order of this court.”

Surprise at speed

“We were as surprised as anyone that the injunction was issued so soon,” said SLAM spokesman Lee Godfrey.

“We were expecting this stage to be about three weeks away – but see this as an endorsement of the strength of our case.

“We are, nonetheless, very happy that this decision was reached and can begin to prepare the full case without worrying about SCC going too far with their plans.”

A Surrey County Council spokesman said: “We are disappointed at the court’s decision.

“We understand that people care for libraries and that’s why we are working with local communities to keep all 52 Surrey libraries open.”

Surrey County Council believes the campaign group seeking a judicial review of its community run library plans have acted too late in the day.

The Surrey Library Action Movement (SLAM) wants a judicial review of the council’s plans to cut costs.

Under the council plans 10 libraries, including Lingfield and Warlingham, would be manned by volunteers as part of an overall bid to save £200m over four years while keeping all 52 libraries open.

But Surrey County Council has responded saying it believes SLAM has missed the three-month window for a judicial review.

It claims the key decision was taken on 27 September – meaning Boxing Day was the last day for an appeal.

However, SLAM believes the final decision was not actually taken until 18 October – giving the group until 17 January to launch a judicial review bid.

The group has engaged the services of Public Interest Lawyers, who represented Gloucestershire and Somerset campaigners in their successful challenge. A High Court judge ruled that both councils  must reverse their policies on libraries.

“Suffice to say, nothing in their response justifies withdrawing professional staff from 10 libraries and making them volunteer run and, in fact, there is plenty in their response to suggest that out case is strong,” said SLAM chairman Mike Alsop.

“That being the case, our lawyers will be issuing legal proceedings early next week.”

A Surrey County Council spokesman said: “We understand that people care for their libraries and that’s why we have come up with plans that aim to keep all 52 in Surrey open.

“Our plans mean we can focus on the more popular libraries while investing in the latest technologies to make them better.”

A campaign group has begun legal action against Surrey County Council (SCC) over its plans to have community run libraries.

The Surrey Library Action Movement (SLAM) wants a judicial review of the council’s plans to cut costs.

Under the council plans 10 libraries, including Lingfield and Warlingham, would be manned by volunteers as part of an overall bid to save £200m over four years while keeping all 52 libraries open.

The group has engaged the services of Public Interest Lawyers, who represented Gloucestershire and Somerset campaigners in their successful challenge. A High Court judge ruled that both councils  must reverse their policies on libraries.

The firm has sent a 16-page pre-action letter to the Council asking it to change its mind and setting a deadline of 5pm on 10 January for a response.

Exasperated

“In short, we are challenging SCC’s decision-making process and their lack of scrutiny, both of which we believe to be inadequate and unlawful,” said SLAM chairman Mike Alsop.

“We have taken this action with great reluctance, having exhausted all other means of trying to hold SCC to account over their library  plans.

“We have also become exasperated at SCC’s avoidance of any discussion or consultation with Surrey residents on the library plans, and also the Council’s increasing hostility towards legitimate protest.

“We believe we have been given no other choice than to hold SCC to account by pursuing legal action.”

Financial constraints

A Surrey County Council spokesman said it was currently considering the content of the letter.

“The council has to save more than £200 million over four years.

“We’re trying to stretch a smaller budget to keep all 52 of Surrey’s libraries open at a time when other local authorities are closing branches across the country due to financial constraints.

“We’ve come up with a solution but need the support of library users to succeed. Our plans mean we can focus resources on continuing to run more popular libraries while investing in the latest technologies to make them better.”

David Hodge is expected to be confirmed as the new leader of Surrey County Council today, following a full council meeting.

Warlingham Councillor Hodge is favourite to replace Dr Andrew Povey who quit last month after rumours of on-going disagreements with Hodge, who was deputy leader.

Hodge was been elected as leader of the Conservative Group two weeks ago and is now expected to take the SCC leadership as the Conservatives have a majority.

Hodge was elected to Surrey County Council in May 2005, having previously served on Tandridge District Council between May 1997 and June 2004 where he chaired the Housing Committee.

Also today, the Surrey Library Action Movement is demonstrating outside the County Hall against plans to turn 10 libraries, including Warlingham and Lingfield, to community run assets.

John Bond, of SLAM, said: “No resident in Surrey would willingly volunteer to assist Surrey County Council reduce the funding for their library — unless forced to because Surrey County Council are threatening to close the library.”

Libraries in Lingfield and Warlingham will have to be manned by volunteers or face closure under new council plans for community run libraries.

Caterham-on-the-Hill library is also next in line to be run by the community, if the 10-piolt schemes prove to be a success.

The move has sparked criticism from the Surrey Library Action Movement (SLAM), which believes that libraries must be manned by professionals.

The community initiative is part of Surrey County Council’s aim to keep all 52 of its libraries open.

Volunteers will be able to take over the day-to-day running of 10 libraries, including Lingfield and Warlingham, while the county council continues to provide everything else including the building, stock, computer equipment, as well as free Wi-Fi in all libraries.

SCC said that the 10 branches taking part in the pilot scheme account for just 7% of library visits countywide and were ranked lowest in a league table of libraries as part of a public value review.

“The decision means we are a step closer to fulfilling our aim of keeping all 52 of Surrey’s libraries open, while focusing resources and making best use of new technologies such as e-books,” said Denise Saliagopoulos, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and the 2012 Games.

“We’ve been greatly encouraged by the response we’ve had to the plans to give people the freedom to tailor their local library to meet local needs.”

The county council will continue to support community-run libraries including covering additional running costs if volunteers want to extend opening hours.

Self service desks will also be provided as well as training for volunteers.

Following a series of meetings with communities, ideas floated so far include tailoring opening hours to meet the commuter rush and provding a parcel collection service for people a work during the day

However, John Bond of SLAM disputed the Council’s survey audit of libraries in the County. “We already know that the savings from the 10 threatened libraries are insignificant — and overstated, and that the Big Society excuse was concocted,” he said.