Introduction
Like councils up and down the country, we’re facing our most significant financial challenge ever. Funding levels haven’t kept pace with rising costs and huge increases in demand for our services, especially those that support Leeds’ most vulnerable children and adults.
We’ve already cut costs where we can – for example, through a freeze where possible on recruitment and non-essential spend. But this isn’t enough. We estimate we’ll need to make around £106m of savings next year, nearly one fifth of our net budget. The budget proposals we’re presenting therefore include service and staffing reductions, fee increases and new charges, building closures and sales, and reduced hours of operation. None of these proposals have been put forward lightly but we have a legal duty to set a balanced budget and so need to make some difficult decisions to make the best use of the resources we have.
As part of this work, Leeds City Council is currently reviewing its public estate and as part of that work is considering the possibility of relocating 2 library sites. These sites are Calverley Library, and Ardsley & Tingley library.
These locations have been assessed and put forward for relocation on the basis that:
- Both current locations attract some of the lowest footfall, book borrowing and PC use figures across the library estate.
- There are considerable backlog maintenance spends required on both existing locations.
- There are other nearby Council properties which are suitable to relocate to that could also enhance the library offer – relocation could also help to protect both the future of the library offer, and the use of those buildings by other groups.
- Should a relocation occur the library opening hours for both sites will remain the same – the service will maintain current levels.
- Should a re location occur it is expected that an increase in book stock will be possible (at both proposed locations).
By filling in this consultation, you will help us decide how best to make the required changes.
Instructions
It should take you about 10 minutes to answer all the questions. The last day that you can respond is 26th May 2025.
If you need to speak to someone about this consultation, or require translated, braille or audio versions of the consultation please email leeds.libraries@leeds.gov.uk or telephone 0113 378 5005.