Issue - decisions

Cabinet considered a report on the outcomes of the consultation in relation to the proposals agreed on 12 May 2016 regarding the Council's Property Strategy. The attention of cabinet was drawn to a further petition and a letter from Hyndburn Borough Council's Scrutiny Committee received shortly before the meeting. Cabinet members were also provided with responses on a number of questions raised at the Executive Scrutiny Committee.

Cabinet members noted the comment in the report stressing the importance of having read all of the paperwork, and confirmed that they had read the paperwork, were familiar with the large number of responses received, and were prepared to make a decision at the meeting on that basis, and on the basis of the debate that followed.

Resolved: That

1. the outcomes of the consultation as set out in the report be noted.

2. the Planning and Needs Assessment for the Library Service set out at Appendix "I" be approved as the basis of determining the level of provision for the Council's statutory library service.

3. the Library Strategy at Appendix "H" be approved.

4. the proposed investment in the Mobile Library Service set out in the report be approved.

5. the proposed model for an "Independent Community Library Offer" as set out in the report be endorsed on the basis that these community libraries are in addition to the provision made by the Council to satisfy section 7 of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.

6. the exploration of the development of alternative options for the future delivery of library services be continued, including, but not limited to, the extended use of volunteers and the development of a potential model which would allow the Library Service to be run independently of the Council as described in the report.

7. the revised proposals for the implementation of the Property Strategy set out at Appendix "B" be approved

8. a consultation on the proposal to discontinue use of Upholland Children's Centre, St Thomas the Martyr CE Primary School, on the basis set out in the report be agreed.

9. the buildings identified in Appendix "B" as not to be retained for future use are declared surplus to requirements and that the services delivered from them will be discontinued on the basis of the timeline set out at Appendix "P".

10. officers be instructed to consider the viability of the expressions of interest received in relation to the transfer of Council premises as set out in Appendix "B" and to bring back a further report to the next meeting of Cabinet for consideration.

11. the request from the Schools Forum for transition funding for schools with attached children's centres and that this will be the subject of future discussions between officers and the Schools Forum be noted.

County Councillor Alyson Barnes declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item as a trustee of the Crawshawbooth Community Association. County Councillor Jackie Oakes declared a non-pecuniary interest as a trustee of Whitewell Bottom Community Association.

The committee considered a report on the outcomes of the consultation in relation to the proposals agreed on 12 May 2016 regarding the Council's Property Strategy.

It was noted that, following the consultation, the proposal in respect of 28 properties had been changed from the initial proposals, and a summary was circulated to committee members for ease of reference.

The committee received a detailed overview of the proposals and the approach taken from officers, as set out in the detailed report.

In debating the report, the following County Councillors spoke in accordance with Standing Order 19(1): County Councillor Andrea Kay, County Councillor Paul Rigby, County Councillor Alan Schofield, County Councillor Keith Sedgewick, County Councillor Margaret Brindle, County Councillor Chris Henig.

A number of comments were made during the debate in relation to individual properties in a number of areas, and in relation to the process that would now be followed, especially in relation to the management of Expressions of Interest received and the transfer of properties where appropriate. It was noted that no decisions had yet been taken in relation to any next steps, pending the outcome of the Cabinet Decision at the forthcoming meeting. It was confirmed that a further update would be provided to Cabinet based on the issues raised in the debate.

During the debate, it was moved and seconded that ESC request Cabinet defer their decision to enable the creation of district level cross-party working groups to consider the proposals and make recommendations to Cabinet. On being put to the vote, the motion was lost.

It was further moved and seconded that ESC request Cabinet look at keeping a number of the facilities proposed for closure open. On being put to the vote, the motion was lost.

The Committee, following the debate, allowed a further opportunity for comments on a district by district basis.

Resolved:That therecommendations setout inthe reportto Cabinetbe noted,and thatno additional commentsor suggestedalternative recommendationsbe made