Decision details

(Report of Chief Executive)

The report of the Chief Executive set out details of the formal public consultation on the future of library, registration and archive services being undertaken by Kent County Council between 12 January and 8 April 2015.  The report advised that the consultation focused on the options for service transformation and the County Council’s preferred option of establishing an independent charitable trust.  Concern was raised about the position of mobile libraries and the future provision of existing services.

Following consideration by the Communities and Health Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Communities, Health and Community Safety resolved that:

1)            greater clarification should be provided of any future costs or charges associated with using the library, registration and archive services; and

2)            reassurances should be provided that, if the service is transferred to a charitable trust or another provider, there will be an obligation to maintain the existing stock of libraries.