Wokingham's privatisation of libraries pulled

Wokingham have explored the privatisation option for library services but have chosen not to proceed. You can read the post by Alan Wylie here:
Stop the privatisation of Public Libraries: Wokingham privatisation pulled?

There is a quote from Wokingham Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, that Croydon might like to consider.  She said,

 “The council has been working with interested parties in a competitive dialogue process to see if there are ways that we can work with the private sector to improve the library service we offer. The result is that we haven’t been convinced there will be enough benefits for our library users to continue with the process. We also don’t want to take the risk the key objectives would not be achieved for our users."

 The procurement process drags on in Croydon. The Conservative administration have been exposed as having no mandate to outsource the whole network of libraries, as is their plan. Short-listed organisations have dropped out along the way and the library service has been eroded and hollowed out through short-sighted cuts to staff and book stock.

An announcement is imminent.  Watch this space.

Croydon spends £40K on library consultant

The Croydon Advertiser has covered the news that £40K is being spent on a consultant to oversee the outsourcing of all Croydon libraries. You can read the full article here. 

We encourage you to read the comments, including those of the campaign group:

“Anyone who wants more details can follow @SaveCroydonLibs @SaveSanderstead on twitter, the blog soslibrary.blogspot.com and website www.savesandersteadlibrary.co.uk 

We need to ask ourselves why is Croydon Council so shy to share any details of their plans. The council only consulted on six libraries, ignored the "do nothing" option and admit it was mainly the users of only those libraries who responded. They have denied residents the breakdown on 412 responses they say informed their decision and are outsourcing the whole network without consulting users of the other libraries. 

There is also the plight of Upper Norwood Library @SaveUNlibrary and the announcement that New Addington Library will close and move to a yet unknown part of the cramped accommodation within the CALAT centre.”

and the detailed response by Cllr Timothy Godfrey:

“Basically Croydon Conservatives have lost control of the budget. The Library budget is approx £8million a year. They run 12 libraries and one central library for this. Upper Norwood Library, run jointly with Lambeth costs £400,000 a year (it is far larger than a branch library) with £200,000 being contributed by Croydon. 

Given how popular all the Croydon libraries are, with residents keen to get involved and support their local library, this is a golden opportunity to devolve the running of the libraries to local library panels. Keep the staff on Croydon payroll. Devolve the library budget, just like the government did over 15 years ago to schools (LMS) and you could end up with big savings and involve the community in setting priorities, and help to grow library use. 

Based on the costs of the much larger Upper Norwood Library, a budget saving of at least £1.8million could be made. Here is the maths:
Croydon branch libraries 12 x £400,000 = £4.8millionCroydon Central Library and home book service = £1.2millionUpper Norwood Library Contribution = £200,000Total budget requirement = £6.2millionBudget surplus: £1.8million
Instead of spending £40,000 on an expensive consultant, the Council should work with the local community to release a new era in community run libraries.  

I have set these plans out at full council and have written about this on my blog (timothygodfrey.net) You can read the post in full here.  I have also has an article published on this on the website of the national Co-operative party (party.coop).

The Tory Council ignore these positive suggestions because they are only interested in selling our libraries off in one contract and not working with local Croydon communities."

The comments left clearly demonstrate that local residents view the council's plan as ludicrous.

No libraries closing in Croydon! Hip hip hooray!

No libraries closing in Croydon! Hip hip hooray!

This is the very positive message, delivered by Cllr Sara Bashford, and confirmed by Croydon Central MP, Gavin Barwell.  This couldn't be further from the truth.

A resident, who is a library campaigner, has been taken to task for tweeting about the Inside Croydon post, that details information about closures.

You can read the full blog here.

Mr Barwell is not known for his courtesy on twitter and we've witnessed many heated exchanges with other tweeters, including national library campaigners we follow, such as the indefatigable Shirley Burnham who seemed shocked that Mr Barwell was being so discourteous and so unwilling to engage with the campaign group. It is quite clear that Mr Barwell has also almost systematically ignored replying to any libraries questions put to him on twitter, such as the one above from Andrew Pelling, or from others for that matter, as the following example demonstrates:

When residents or campaigners ask for clarity, they are ignored.  Yet finally, Mr Barwell was prepared to tweet, and we reproduce it here.

Many noted the careful wording - the use of "branch" libraries in this tweet.

The council has sought to focus on the "all libraries are saved" message by reinforcing that none are closing, and Mr Barwell was certainly happy to reinforce this message in his tweet.

Unfortunately residents and campaigners are very cynical as they believe they were not listened to in the consultation process and have since noticed the service has been silently eroded through  the loss of many of our professional librarians and experienced staff.  Volunteers promised for the Summer BookTrail didn't materialise, some events have been cancelled and residents struggle to obtain clear information about activities running.

Then campaigners became increasingly concerned that residents began reporting a cull of book stock over some months.  Library after library were clearing their shelves of books, these were being boxed up, and all without explanation.  It seems, once again, Inside Croydon were the first to receive some information on this and you can read the post here.

So while we accept that Croydon libraries are still open, we have reduced staffing of experienced assistants and qualified librarians, a catalogue of problems caused by this, library events cancelled and attempts to enlist volunteers thwarted, leading to further problems.  Now we have the removal of book stock, undertaken silently and without explanation. But at least our libraries are open.

And then this.

The Croydon Advertiser was given information by Cllr Bashford that New Addington Library is, in fact, closing.  You can read the full post here http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/Closure-New-Addington-Library-building-far-says/story-14437221-detail/story.html  As you can see from the comments, New Addington Pathfinders, the so called independent voice in New Addington, are already on board and appear open to the plans.

It seems they are little concerned that Cllr Bashford is unable to assure what book stock will be on offer.  As they say, these can be ordered.  Could it be though that Pathfinders are unaware of the problems across the borough with reservations and transfers? Certainly other residents are aware, as this comment on the post demonstrates.  How do Pathfinders think this new, more cramped space, will do any better?

They seem not only open to, but almost thankful, that the council is sharing this information before and  not after the closure and move.  Are they really not aware of what is going on, on their doorstep?  The CALAT centre in New Addington has been unable to produce an up to date brochure of courses because they have lost teaching space in order to accommodate this move. That's not just courses for leisure but courses run that provide residents with life skills such as basic literacy and numeracy, offering a gateway to improved opportunities and possible employment. The job centre will also be accommodated at the CALAT centre.

Just exactly what space is going to be available to accommodate this library that Cllr Bashford assures will offer the same level of service, as is currently on offer in a purpose built library, which even includes a secure garden area?

The article goes on to explain that the council will not be consulting the residents until after the decision has been taken.  In Cllr Bashford's own words,

 " When we have exact plans we will find out what works best for residents",

 as is the way with Croydon consultations -  plan first, consult after. But perhaps the most damning statement Cllr Bashford makes is that, in referring to the comparable space available at the CALAT Centre and the existing library,

"We do not know what the square footage available will be in comparison with the library."

So the closure of a well used, purpose built library is decided without any consideration of the available space in the proposed new venue. It hardly seems there is any rigour to the decision process or any regard for how a service might cope in the limited space available.

No wonder CALAT cannot advertise courses, no wonder the library is telling enquirers there is no forward plan for events and no wonder Croydon's Cllr Bashford has been forced to make this rather half-hearted announcement about, yes, a closure.

Could it be that this is merely the half-way step to setting up another lucrative deal with developers to offer the prime library location in New Addington up for grabs to the highest bidder, perhaps a bidder already lined up? There has been talk for years of a supermarket such as Tesco's in New Addington. Could it just be that the CALAT move is merely an interim measure, with any developer having to provide a library facility within the complex that they build, just like Sainsbury's in Selsdon, in the ward that Cllr Bashford represents?

Whatever the plan, New Addington are being sold short with a poorly thought out plan to cram so much into an already well used space which is the current CALAT building.

But perhaps Mr Barwell's reference to no branch libraries being closed was really intended to mask the quite shocking revelation about Upper Norwood Joint Library, exposed today by Inside Croydon.  Read the latest here: http://insidecroydon.com/2012/01/16/rouse-tells-lambeth-to-plan-closure-of-library-in-secret/


No wonder Mr Barwell is so keen to discredit and expose Save Croydon Libraries campaigners, as he tweeted today:

It seems that Croydon library campaigners and bloggers such as Inside Croydon are just a little too close to exposing the truth.

We dread to think what will happen next.  Watch this space.

Everything's rosy in Wandsworth

Wandsworth is working with Croydon to conduct a joint procurement exercise to outsource their network of libraries.

The Guardian's Local Government Network blog carried an article written by Wandsworth's deputy leader, Councillor Jonathan Cook, under the modest title of:

Wandsworth opens the competition to save London's libraries

Quite a claim, and what a very rosy spin Cllr Cook puts on the situation!

You can read the full text here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/local-government-network/2012/jan/05/wandsworth-council-library-tender?newsfeed=true

In the post Cllr Cook refers to bold steps and big ideas.  The stated aim of the exercise is to improve delivery whilst reducing costs. He gives, what would appear to be, very firm assurances by stating that both councils will remain in control of their libraries.Contract specification will be tight, defining every aspect of the delivery and there will be close monitoring against clear performance targets. The post, oozing positivity, also offers up that,

"If another organisation can do a better job, we will open the door." 

What the article doesn't say is that, whilst Croydon residents were patiently awaiting the outcome of the "genuine" consultation on libraries, and told the delay was to allow a full and careful analysis of all comments,  Croydon was actually hot-footing it to Wandsworth  to set up a deal to work together.

Campaigners spoke to thousands of library users across the borough yet no one can recall any resident suggesting this approach.  Certainly Croydon are very reticent and have denied an FOI requesting the breakdown of the responses that they claim informed the decision. You can find the FOI details here: http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/breakdown_of_responses_to_librar#incoming-199932

It is curious, with all his big ideas and bold plans to improve the service, that Cllr Cook fails to mention the basis of the selection process. This is referred to in the council papers as 'MEAT', the Most Economically Advantageous Tender. Not a mention of maintaining or improving the service on offer, just financial advantage to the councils as highest priority.

Given Croydon's current situation, now at breaking point, over the running of Upper Norwood Joint Library (UNJL), only a fool would try to negotiate another joint council deal. Yet, despite being incapable of working with Lambeth on UNJL, Croydon was silently setting up this deal with Wandsworth and forge ahead with their plans.

There was outcry from Croydon residents who finally heard of the plan when it was announced.  We suspect this is why, even to date, no notice has gone up in any Croydon library to advertise the plans. Many still think libraries have been saved.

It is interesting that Cllr Cook slips in,

"Wandsworth and Croydon will each have a separate contract for their library networks – but only bids to run both services in tandem will be considered.(our italics) This allows both councils to benefit from shared overheads and buying power while maintaining local control and accountability."

This is a shift from the proposal approved in Croydon in the September Cabinet meeting. The full papers are located here :http://www.croydon.gov.uk/contents/documents/meetings/546596/2011/2011-09-19/cab20110919libraryservices.pdf, but the particular part we refer to is here, in point 6.5:

It seems clear, at least as far as Wandsworth Council is concerned, that whilst interested parties may bid for Croydon and Wandsworth separately or jointly, Wandsworth will not entertain considering anything other than a joint venture, with the winning contract covering the running of both boroughs' libraries.

It cannot help escape notice either that, whilst Croydon is keeping all information close to their chest, their partners at Wandsworth are keen to share.  Is the relationship already showing the strain of joint working, we wonder?

Cllr Cook continues to effuse,

"At the end of this process the bedrock of our service will be unchanged: great books, comfortable surroundings and skilled staff."

A statement perhaps far more dubious than merely curious.  

Let's put the real situation in context.

Croydon have already admitted realising savings in the region of £350K through an internal reshuffle, one that resulted in the loss of many of the most experienced staff and qualified librarians, leaving Croydon libraries under staffed and unable to cope, despite the valiant efforts of the remaining staff.

A list of the real and measurable effects of these back door cuts, as noted by residents across the borough, was presented to Cllr Sara Bashford at a shadow cabinet meeting.  Although indicating publicly that she took these very seriously and offering to investigate the issues she then had a lapse of memory and responded on only two very minor points raised at one location only. Being reminded of her promise, she then requested the details in writing which a campaign spokesperson was happy to provide, along with further examples that had occurred since the original shadow cabinet meeting. Despite this, Cllr Bashford seems not only incapable of responding to the points but appears to actually have struggled to comprehend the issues put to her, or their significance.

Wandsworth, in the Library Service Market testing paper (Paper No 11-683) here: http://ww3.wandsworth.gov.uk/moderngov/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=499&MID=3591#AI22158,
which you can read in PDF form here:
http://ww3.wandsworth.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s14838/Paper%20No.%2011-683.pdf already refers to the rather more substantial savings made of £900K!

This was realised through reduced opening hours, presumably including the turning York Gardens over to the community, who need not only find volunteers in sufficient numbers to man the library but fundraise to the tune of £70K per annum to keep it running. Savings were also made in reviews of senior management (that's job losses of senior experienced and professionally qualified staff in less rosy terms) and savings on book stock.

The specifics from the document are as follows, so readers can verify the astonishing details and figures for themselves.

Dare we mention to Cllr Cook that when he refers to, "the bedrock of our service" being unchanged this is hardly inspiring when residents in both boroughs have already seen a drastic reduction in the service on offer?


It's inspiring to refer to, 

"great books" 

being on offer, but Wandsworth already admit publicly to the reduction in their book stock and many residents in Croydon have mentioned the cull in book stock going on at several locations in the borough.


Then there is the reference to,

"comfortable surroundings"

Not hard to improve on when the fabric of most of Croydon's libraries has received very little investment for many years. Perhaps we should suggest Cllr Cook share some of his magical positivity and suggest to Cllr Bashford that she sell it to Croydon residents and prospective bidders as shabby chic a la Croydon.  

And Cllr Cook, on a high, digs himself in even deeper, finishing with the promise,

 "and skilled staff."

 If Croydon or Wandsworth had any intention of valuing staff they would not have eroded the one valuable resource their libraries did have. We can't speak for Wandsworth but Croydon campaigners know only too well how much residents value experienced library staff and qualified librarians, many having been lost in the internal reshuffle.

It really saddens library users to see the valiant attempts of the existing staff, doing their utmost to make libraries work, under very difficult circumstances.  We can't possibly know the internal workings and changes that have been made.  What we do know though is the measurable impact it has had on the service on offer and we are very concerned for the well-being of all library staff left.  Again this concern was shared with Cllr Bashford at the shadow cabinet meeting.

So there we have it.  Two councils embarking on working together, already showing the strain of this new relationship, with Croydon desperately trying to shake off their existing tie with Lambeth.

Cllr Bashford was so out of her depth to start with she was even announcing to residents in public meetings that libraries were "a nice to have, not a must have" and referred to them as "non statutory" or "discretionary" until residents pointed out the small matter of the 1964 Act. It would appear she was trying to convince Croydon residents that they were in no way entitled to a library service.

And, probably most worryingly, we have two councils who, by their actions, are actively dismantling their library services, but are unable or unwilling to see the impact of this and the problems that this is causing. Yet they feel they are well equipped to not only  pass judgement on the proposals put forward from those bidding to run the service but are capable of monitoring this effectively.


But let's not let reality put a dampener on their bold steps and big ideas.  We leave you with the final words of Cllr Jonathan Cook,

"Competitive tendering has reformed many town hall services –he end of this process leisure centres, refuse collection and meals on wheels to name a few. The results have been improved delivery, new innovation and better value for money. This is what we are looking for with our libraries. 

We should not stop here. We must rationalise the public library services at a regional level. In London, eight million people are served by 33 different library services with 33 sets of overheads; this makes no sense, and is no longer affordable.

First we will team up with Croydon, next we must look to share our costs and buying power with more of our neighbours. Councils still considering a library closure programme should follow this process closely. We believe there is another way."

It appears Cllr Cook really believes he can save not only Croydon and Wandsworth libraries but that he can save London libraries too!

Next step, he'll be saving the world, no doubt!



Should you wish to support Friends of York Gardens Library to fundraise or volunteer http://saveyorkgardens.com/ or follow them on twitter at @SaveYGLibrary

Irresponsible Lambeth, apparently

This week sees the Croydon Guardian running a letter from Croydon Conservative Cllr Eddy Arram, reacting to the words of Croydon Labour Cllr Maggie Mansell and accusing Lambeth of acting in,

"such an irresponsible and damaging way"

over Upper Norwood Joint Library (UNJL).

Cllr Mansell's thoughts were recorded in the eXtra section of the Croydon Guardian, which is no longer available, but if we can secure a copy we will be happy to update this post.

This week's letter can be found on page 14 here.  We reproduce the letter below.

Cllr Arram's letter in this week's Croydon Guardian

Cllr Arram states that,

"Because Lambeth Councillors failed to meet its responsibilities and duties by taking up their places on the UNJLA (Upper Norwood Joint Library Authority) committee, thus making it unable to operate, it does not mean Croydon Council will act in such an irresponsible way."

We hope the reader gets the gist of what Cllr Arram is attempting to say but we seriously question the validity of his point, as we will go on to explain.


At the public meeting held in November 2011 many of the Croydon Labour and Lambeth Labour councillors were present, including Cllr Florence Nosegbe, who had another engagement but knew the importance of attending.  The hall was packed out, with standing room only.

And where was Cllr Sara Bashford, Cllr Nosegbe's counterpart from Croydon? Nowhere to be seen, nor was any other Croydon Conservative councillor. It became clear that this was not the first time. Cllr Nosegbe explained how, having set a meeting date with Croydon to try to resolve the stalemate over UNJL, the meeting was cancelled at very short notice and therefore no meeting had yet taken place.

It was agreed  that further attempts should be made to try to get Croydon to co-operate, some might even say to act in a responsible manner, and agree to a meeting together to sit around the table and plan the way forward.


The background to the current UNJL saga can be found here, including the three options Croydon have put to Lambeth.

1. Buy Croydon’s half share of all UNJL assets and accept responsibility for the UNJL.
2.  Take a lease of Croydon's half share in the premises and become solely responsible for the UNJL.
3. Agree that the library will be sold with the proceeds, after settlement of all costs, equally divided between the two boroughs.

So when Cllr Arram speaks of acting in "such an irresponsible and damaging way" perhaps he should take a look at his own Council's track record and actions. Croydon's refusal to meet and the only options given to Lambeth which absolve Croydon of any responsibility for this library, used by its residents, seems far from responsible or constructive.

Upper Norwood Joint Library (UNJL) faces an uncertain future

The unilateral decision by Croydon Council to 'terminate' the Upper Norwood Library Joint Agreement was, according to Croydon, the direct consequence of a

 "...fundamental breach of the agreement by Lambeth Council". 

 Such breach, according to Croydon, was the refusal by Lambeth Council, 

"....to attend the last Annual General Meeting and failing to co-operate at the 2010 meeting."

Lambeth Council contend that it was in fact Croydon Council that breached requirements of the UNJL Agreement that each council should appoint two local ward councillors to the Library Committee, and that any disputes or disagreements should be referred for arbitration.

Croydon Council’s response was to despatch, without prior notification to Lambeth Council or the Library staff, nine council officers who announced they were taking "...interim management control", conducting Health and Safety, Human Resources and Internal Finances Audit, despite the UNJL being an independent library and not part of Croydon or Lambeth’s Centralised Library Service.

The UNJL’s independent status has enabled it to be 50% more efficient in cost terms, than Croydon and Lambeth’s library services.

Croydon have now given Lambeth three options. 

1. Buy Croydon’s half share of all UNJL assets and accept responsibility for the UNJL.
2.  Take a lease of Croydon's half share in the premises and become solely responsible for the UNJL.
3.  Agree that the library will be sold with the proceeds, after settlement of all costs, equally divided between the two boroughs.

Despite Croydon’s claimed support for the Upper Norwood Library, these options provide little reassurance for the future of the 111 year old Library. 

Following Croydon Council’s recent decision to privatise its entire library service, Crystal Palace Community Association (CPCA) has called a public meeting to provide an update on the situation and launch the next phase of the Library Campaign.

The public meeting will be held:

 Wednesday 30^th November

7.30 pm 

Salvation Army Hall

58 Westow St

Upper Norwood 

SE19 3AF

Google map and directions here

Useful links:

Crystal Palace Community Association
c/o 10 Jasper Road, London SE19 1SJ
tel/fax:  020 8670 4395
www.cpca.org.uk

Upper Norwood Library Campaign

5 Becondale Road SE19 1QJ

www.unlc.org.uk

The fight for libraries continues - Croydon and UNJL

Two letters appeared in last week's Croydon Advertiser.

Councillor Wayne Lawlor's letter makes the case that the appointment of Conservative Councillors is a betrayal of the wishes of local people, residents who elected Labour councillors as their representatives.

This is followed by a letter from Mike Warwick, Crystal Palace Community Association (CPCA), that sets out clear concerns regarding the stance taken by Croydon's Conservative-led Council and the possible motives behind this.

Political football - Upper Norwood Joint Library

Croydon Advertiser's The Insider made comment on the Upper Norwood Joint Library committee.  It seems that there is some history to the current stalemate over membership of the joint committee.  The article is not on line, as far as we are aware but you can read it here:

Controversy over Upper Norwood library committee

Controversy ensues over the decision taken by Croydon's Conservative-run council to appointment Conservative councillors to represent Croydon on the library committee, rather than Labour councillors who were elected by local residents in the area.

Lambeth councillors refused to attend the AGM of the joint committee meeting in protest against a breach of the rules.

 Crystal Palace Community Association claims that Croydon Council leader Mike Fisher is aware that he is obliged, under the terms of the joint library agreement, to appoint two opposition members to the committee. They go on to state,

"This would remove his ability to force through the sort of damaging measures that are being inflicted on Croydon's libraries, such as significant staff redundancies, reduced opening, privatisation or closure."

The full Croydon Guardian article is available on line here: Councillors boycott library committee over 'rule breach'

Croydon agree to work with Wandsworth - outsourcing libraries

Wandsworth and Croydon Councils have approved working jointly to investigate outsourcing their libraries libraries.  Concerns still remain as these local Guardian articles show.

"Fears over Croydon library plans" in the Croydon Guardian -
"Opposition councillors have denounced plans to outsource the library service in Croydon." Councillor Bashford was unable to provide details of how the figures quoted in the proposal passed by Cabinet had been arrived at when Councillor Maggie Mansell asked for clarification. Read the full text here:
http://www.croydonguardian.co.uk/archive/2011/09/22/News_Croydon+%28news%29/9262531.Fears_over_library_plans/

"Concern raised over library service plan in Wandsworth" in the Wandsworth Guardian -
Councillor Leonie Cooper voiced Labour's concerns, "..it is vital that any outsourcing does not lead to an erosion of services, or any further reductions to library opening hours or supplies of books."
http://www.croydonguardian.co.uk/archive/2011/09/27/news_wandsworth/9272458.Concern_raised_over_library_service_plan/

Wandsworth and Croydon Labour groups have voiced a willingness to explore ways of reducing costs of running libraries and exploring different approaches but hold concerns that outsourcing may lead to a deterioration in the service on offer. The Croydon Labour offer to establish a cross party commission on libraries to allow all residents a say and to explore alternatives to outsourcing was rejected by Croydon Conservatives.  You can read more of the history  here.

Cllr Mansell speaks out - No support for in-house bid

No wonder Croydon residents are immobilised by the confusion over libraries. Councillor Maggie Mansell speaks out on the proposal to outsource Croydon libraries and the very real barriers to an in-house bid.  Does anyone REALLY know what is going on with Croydon libraries? 

Letters page of Croydon Advertiser, 16th September 2011

Residents comments disregarded and many denied a say on libraries

We are very thankful to the Croydon Guardian who has raised the issue of the silence over Croydon libraries in their letters page over the past few weeks, which you can read here, here and here .


What may not be clear to residents though is why campaigners would be claiming that many have been denied a say and that residents' comments have been disregarded.  We are happy to set out our justification for this:

• Despite admitting that the responses to the Libraries consultation were predominantly from the users of the six libraries listed, the council are now happy to deny giving all Croydon residents an opportunity to have a say by consulting the users of the other seven libraries or agreeing to Labour's cross part commission on libraries. 

• The council are equally happy to disregard Question 6 in the consultation, which allowed residents the opportunity to indicate they did not wish any changes to the library service by prioritising the ‘do nothing’ option over any closure of any library, which campaigners know was the preferred option of the majority.  

• They are also happy to deny requests under Freedom of Information for a breakdown of the comments that informed the decision, claiming it would be too costly, which is surely an admission in itself that even the most rudimentary analysis of responses received has not been undertaken. 

Library campaigners certainly did not get the message that residents wanted the council to find an alternate organisation to run the libraries.   

By refusing to provide a breakdown of the 412 responses  that Cllr Sara Bashford claims informed this decision  it is very unclear how many well intentioned responses of adding a cafe or other money generating venture, suggestions of sponsorship, advertising and so forth have been used to indicate a vote for outsourcing to other organisations.   

• Many residents are completely unaware of the 'market sounding' exercise as the council has denied residents clear information, not advertised the decision and has failed to make clear ALL Croydon libraries are included, not just the original six under threat.  

• Despite assurances, Campaign groups and Residents' Associations continue to be denied any official update on the situation or any information since the decision to market test was taken on 13th June.

The lack of openness, lack of clarity and lack of information naturally raises suspicions that, come September, the fate of Croydon libraries will be presented, fait accompli, denying residents any say on the matter.

Cllr Maggie Mansell speaks out on Croydon libraries

The following was printed in the Croydon Advertiser letters page on 15th July and is reproduced here with kind thanks to Cllr Maggie Mansell.

Since the Croydon Advertiser broke the news that the Libraries may be privatised (Croydon Advertiser 3 June, and subsequent reports) the Labour shadow cabinet has heard from an expert on Libraries, and community representatives. The Cabinet meeting received a paper reporting that the community was against closure of any Libraries.

The new proposal is “market testing” of the Library service, including the Central Library and all the district libraries, which could result in a decision to privatise or outsource to another council or voluntary organisation. My concern was that the paper did not define the service to be provided, and the paper was full of “maybe”, no firm guarantees. Labour councillors’ questions elicited some important assurances that I would like put on record.

Cllr Fisher says that the buildings will remain the property of the Council. The council will allow and facilitate an in-house staff bid.

Our concerns are that the overheads are high including an IT system, renegotiated by the Tories; there is no service specification, no business model, no option appraisal; there are efficiency savings to be made but we want Croydon to have the benefit, not another council or a private company.

The Library already gives good service. There are savings to be made with service improvements, decision making could be devolved to local level and local people should be involved. We expect a proper option appraisal would rule out privatisation very quickly, because it will be more expensive by comparison with other models.

Labour offered to work with the council in a proper commission, and we asked for a pre-decision Scrutiny. The Tories have opted for the Scrutiny process. This will be an opportunity to examine different service developments and management options. I would be glad to receive any suggestions from staff or users.

Maggie Mansell

Labour Spokesperson on Libraries, Culture and Sport

Croydon libraries under threat of LSSI take over

The truth about the possible fate of Croydon's network of 13 libraries has been revealed in today's Sunday Express article. The Sunday Express writes,

 "The company (LSSI)...believes it can make a profit by redesigning services and cutting costs. It pledges to keep libraries open and shelves stocked but critics claim it will reduce staff and introduce charges"

Campaigners have always maintained that there is no profit in running libraries.  If there are efficiency savings to be made they should be made by the Council itself and used by the Council to work more cost-efficiently.  For a Council who proclaims to have efficiency embedded in their DNA outsourcing is a clear admission of failure to tackle these inefficiencies themselves.

In fact Tim Coates, a national campaigner for Libraries who was the key speaker at Labour's shadow Cabinet meeting on 6th June, has made astonishing claims about the level of inefficiency in the Croydon libraries service. He spoke of the enormous amount spent on libraries in Croydon.  Overheads were currently running at around 40% and should be drastically reduced to around 10%. He went on to explain that Croydon have the highest overhead costs not only in London but in the whole of the country, and then went on to speculate – possibly the highest in the world.

The Sunday Express article goes on to detail that, 

"...LSSI has faced public outcry and lawsuits in the US over claims that experienced staff have lost their jobs and traditionally free library services have attracted charges. While Mr Fitzgerald (LSSI's UK vice-president) denies charges had ever been introduced on free services and insists staff working terms and conditions would be respected, with savings coming from best practice and economies of scale, opponents say it is “ridiculous” to hand over a public asset to a profit-making company which has a balance sheet as its prime concern."

Croydon library campaigners are already aware of these concerns. As Ian Anstice, a member of Voices for the Library, writes on his blog Public Libraries News: 

 "LSSI has been accused of reducing the numbers, pension, terms and conditions of its employees. When taking over a service, LSSI re-employs staff on new contracts. Recent research shows it retains the minimum of qualified library staff. It is worth noting that, for its size, 100 "qualified" staff it promotes as being employed by the company is fairly low when compared to the industry standard. Also, there is the question as to what level these staff are qualified to. It appears that LSSI de-unionises its libraries in the USA."

Croydon Library campaigners and residents have already flagged up the loss of service due to the loss of qualified librarians and highly experienced library staff in a recently undertaken Library Reschuffle,which has also resulted in unqualified staff being 'rebadged' as Reading and Learning Librarians.   

The Express also reports, 

"LSSI, which runs 16 public library systems in five US states, is currently wooing authorities with an attractive business model that promises increased community activity and invites Starbucks to set up inside branches. LSSI has spoken to “dozens of local authorities” over the past three years and held meetings with five councils last week, with Croydon becoming the latest borough to consider a deal. LSSI’s first contract is expected to start next May in Wokingham."

Only this week the Council have denied that they have been in contact with any companies or groups, merely floating the idea of 'market-testing.' A direct question from a member of the public regarding whether the Council had any involvement or approaches from companies such as LSSI was denied by Cllr Sara Bashford, who heads up the libraries consultation. Yet already it is being reported a deal with LSSI is being considered, a deal on the table before the majority of Croydon residents are even aware of the move to 'market-test'.

The Express article goes on to quote Jonathan Hood, a company director who led the Friends of Summertown Library campaign, 

“We have seen the council’s plans off, which is a great triumph for the public, but they will be back. It is all part of this new barbarism where cost is more important than culture. We did have contact from a US action group who said that LSSI’s claims to improve services did not always hold up."

Mr Hood says the campaign to keep libraries public and free had support from all political parties, from “banner-waving Trots to totally blue Tories”.

Croydon Labour offered to set up a cross-party commission on Libraries but this was rejected out of hand by Croydon Conservatives at the Cabinet meeting on Monday 13th June, where they opted for 'market- testing' of the whole network of libraries. Croydon Library campaigners supported this commission and feel sure that the offer of a cross party commission into libraries would have been welcomed by residents they represent.

Learning of dealings with LSSI being made so swiftly will only serve to raise residents' suspicion and concerns in Croydon.