As Haringey Council faces tough decisions on its budget, proposed cuts to library services have sparked community mobilisation.
Several campaign groups will present a deputation this Tuesday to the Labour council’s cabinet. A deputation is a group representing an organisation or community, tasked with presenting their views to the council. The representatives are set to challenge plans to reduce library funding by £700,000.
The proposed budget cuts include slashing opening hours and reducing staff. Campaigners argue that the changes could diminish the libraries’ vital role in the community and lead to their decline.
Locals have made their voices heard in opposition to the proposed cuts
Community groups unite
Several local campaign groups will unite for the deputation. Chief among them will be the “Friends of Stroud Green and Harringay Library” campaign group, which is led by Peter Beardsley.
Speaking to City News, Peter described his local library as the cornerstone of the local community. Ahead of the deputation he said, “we really want this library, which has been here for over 120 years, to stay open and remain a warm, welcoming part of our community.”
Ahead of Tuesday evening’s deputation, Peter said “we’ll be petitioning the council to act differently, to not make these budget cuts to not certainly not make them as deep. We really want people to know that their that their Council is making the wrong decisions about this, at the wrong time, and for all the wrong reasons.”
Stroud Green and Haringey Library is one of several libraries set to be impacted by the budget cuts
Council in turmoil
Joanna Bornat of Friends of Reading and Education in Haringey, who will also participate in the deputation, acknowledged the difficult financial position the council is in. However, she is urging those in power to find solutions that work for the community.
“The government has cut back so much on spending so I feel sorry for the councillors. I wouldn’t want that job but they’ve got to find a way around it that’s going to work for everyone.
Scott Emery, the Lib Dem Councillor for Highgate, expressed his party’s strong opposition to the proposed budget cuts. Emery advocates for finding better solutions to save money without undermining vital services.
“This morning, I had 24 emails come through on this issue alone. We’re completely against the budget cuts. We think there is a much better way of saving the money and we really think it’s a vital service, it should be looked after.”
Council defends budget cuts
Councillor Emily Arkell, the cabinet’s lead for culture, communications and leisure has acknowledged that difficult decisions will have to be made about the libraries’ future.
“We have to be innovative because budgets are tight and the next few years are not going to be easy.”
She also said that she would work with the friends groups to ensure “high-quality, successful libraries”.
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HeadlineCommunity rallies against proposed cuts to library services
Short HeadlineCommunity rallies against library cuts
StandfirstSeveral campaign groups will unite to challenge Haringey Council's controversial plans
As Haringey Council faces tough decisions on its budget, proposed cuts to library services have sparked community mobilisation.
Several campaign groups will present a deputation this Tuesday to the Labour council’s cabinet. A deputation is a group representing an organisation or community, tasked with presenting their views to the council. The representatives are set to challenge plans to reduce library funding by £700,000.
The proposed budget cuts include slashing opening hours and reducing staff. Campaigners argue that the changes could diminish the libraries’ vital role in the community and lead to their decline.
Locals have made their voices heard in opposition to the proposed cuts
Community groups unite
Several local campaign groups will unite for the deputation. Chief among them will be the “Friends of Stroud Green and Harringay Library” campaign group, which is led by Peter Beardsley.
Speaking to City News, Peter described his local library as the cornerstone of the local community. Ahead of the deputation he said, “we really want this library, which has been here for over 120 years, to stay open and remain a warm, welcoming part of our community.”
Ahead of Tuesday evening’s deputation, Peter said “we’ll be petitioning the council to act differently, to not make these budget cuts to not certainly not make them as deep. We really want people to know that their that their Council is making the wrong decisions about this, at the wrong time, and for all the wrong reasons.”
Stroud Green and Haringey Library is one of several libraries set to be impacted by the budget cuts
Council in turmoil
Joanna Bornat of Friends of Reading and Education in Haringey, who will also participate in the deputation, acknowledged the difficult financial position the council is in. However, she is urging those in power to find solutions that work for the community.
“The government has cut back so much on spending so I feel sorry for the councillors. I wouldn’t want that job but they’ve got to find a way around it that’s going to work for everyone.
Scott Emery, the Lib Dem Councillor for Highgate, expressed his party’s strong opposition to the proposed budget cuts. Emery advocates for finding better solutions to save money without undermining vital services.
“This morning, I had 24 emails come through on this issue alone. We’re completely against the budget cuts. We think there is a much better way of saving the money and we really think it’s a vital service, it should be looked after.”
Council defends budget cuts
Councillor Emily Arkell, the cabinet’s lead for culture, communications and leisure has acknowledged that difficult decisions will have to be made about the libraries’ future.
“We have to be innovative because budgets are tight and the next few years are not going to be easy.”
She also said that she would work with the friends groups to ensure “high-quality, successful libraries”.
