Union fears proposals for volunteers to run libraries will see poor areas suffer the most

COUNCIL PLAN IS 'DIVISIVE AND SHORT-SIGHTED'

- By TESS RUSHIN

UNION officials have slammed council proposals to transfer the running of some libraries to volunteers, saying it is unworkable and will see libraries in poorer areas shut down.

The Leicester City Council proposals, which are currently being consulted on, could result in the withdrawal of funding for 11 libraries and community centres in the city, while a reduction in staffed opening hours of a further 13 is also on the table.

Unison, the public service union, said the plans also include “reducing staff numbers and lowering how much is spent on books, IT and operating costs”.

Council bosses say the cuts would reduce spending by £2.1 million per year and contribute to the £23 million of savings they need to make to balance its budget, but Unison is firmly opposed.

It said the cuts were “ill-judged and short-sighted” and feared that “communities would be significantly harmed if these plans go ahead’.

The proposals were unveiled earlier this month following a 2023 consultation with residents over their use of library and community centre use.