A library cuts protester outside the Town Hall

PROTESTERS gathered outside the Town Hall to show opposition to potential cuts to Islington’s library service – but the council says no decisions have been made yet.

The Tribune reported last month that the Town Hall had spent tens of thousands on a consultancy group to deliver a review on the borough’s library service.

Union staff say they were then told by senior council officers that this could amount to cuts of £500,000 to £1million.

Alan Wylie, the libraries representative for Unison, said: “We had a meeting with the council about this recently, where they denied the cuts, which is quite ironic because it was a senior council officer who told us about it.

Alan Wylie

“They told us that as part of the review they would be making efficiency savings, but we all know that means cuts.

“The whole review has been handled atrociously, with a total lack of transparency and openness.”
When a question about the potential cuts was put to Cllr James Potts during a full council meeting, the Town Hall’s planning chief said: “The rumoured figures do not reflect any agreed decision of the council.

“No decisions have been taken about reductions to the library budget or on any closures.

“I would like to make crystal clear that the first phase of this process was purely for discovery and background research before we get into the process of consulting with everybody to develop the new strategy.”

Cllr Potts said he would be going on a “tour” of the borough’s libraries to speak to library workers about the services.

Cllr Benali Hamdache, leader of the opposition, said: “The hidden cost of cutting our library service shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Over the last 15 years we’ve cut and cut away at services and then we’re questioning why communities feel less content and more afraid.

“Islington Council has an obligation to find £29million worth of cuts before 2029 because of national policy.

“We will fight these cuts at every step of the way, whether it’s in schools, libraries, community centres or in housing.”