County council defeats second High Court challenge to plans for libraries

Lincolnshire County Council has fought off a second High Court challenge over its plans for libraries services.

There are currently 47 libraries in the area. The local authority has proposed, going forwards, to provide 15 major libraries alongside online services and specialist support. There will then be around 30 ‘community hubs’ run by voluntary groups.

These hubs will be provided with professional support, £5,000 a year towards running costs and access to a grant of up to £15,000 for changes to buildings or equipment, the council has said. 

Lincolnshire is also running a competitive procurement to seek an additional organisation potentially to deliver library services on its behalf, including support for the hubs. The procurement follows an approach by Greenwich Leisure, a not-for-profit organisation.

The claimant, backed by the Save Lincolnshire Libraries Group, argued that the revised plans – approved by the council’s executive in February this year – were fundamentally no different to a plan decided upon in December 2013.

The first decision was quashed by the High Court because of flaws in decision making and consultation.

Mrs Justice McGowan heard the latest proceedings in the High Court last week (21 July). The county council reported today [28 July] that the judge had ruled that its decision was taken in a lawful manner.

Cllr Nick Worth, Executive Member for Libraries, said: “We’re delighted with the judge’s decision. However, it’s disappointing that at least £350,000 has had to be wasted defending plans that are clearly best for taxpayers, best for library users and best for local communities.”

He claimed that the delays caused by the legal action had also led to Lincolnshire Co-op withdrawing its bid for Boultham Library, “meaning this site is now likely to close”.

Cllr Worth added: “Now we have cleared this hurdle, we can concentrate on putting the new-look service in place - something that will ensure the future of local libraries.

“We’re working closely with local groups to get the new community hubs up-and-running, and have a few that are ready to go-live in the next few weeks. The rest will then follow over the summer months in a phased approach. Everything should be in place by the end of September.”

Lincolnshire said that the work involved in the procurement meant it was likely to take until the end of 2015 before a final decision was reached on who will run the service.

A spokesperson for Save Linconshire Libraries, Julie Harrison, told The Lincolnite: “I am so sorry and disappointed for all the people in Lincolnshire who will not be able to access the libraries service that they know and depend on.

“Having sat through the hearing I am very surprised at the decision. Personally, I feel very strongly for the children who will not be able to access library facilities growing up.

“I sincerely hope that the demands will be met by the community hubs, and poorest and most rural areas of Lincolnshire will not suffer.”