PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
POTENTIAL CLOSURE OF LIBRARY SERVICES IN FIFE (7 September 2015)

That this House notes with deep concern the proposal by Fife Council and Fife Cultural Trust to close 16 public libraries in Fife; further notes that the threatened closures have come about as a result of funding cuts approved by Fife Council in February 2013; notes that the cuts were approved despite advice from senior officers of the council that they were likely to lead to the closure of facilities; deplores the action of Fife Council in withholding this advice from the people of Fife when the budget cuts were the subject of public consultation; notes that Fife Council only published the advice when they were forced to under Freedom of Information legislation; recalls that the then Leader of the Council, Councillor Alex Rawley, claimed in February 2013 to have been given assurances that the cuts would not lead to facilities having to close; calls on Fife Council to set the record straight on this matter; and further calls on Fife Council and Fife Cultural Trust to engage in open and meaningful public consultation about the value of the public library service and the damage likely to be done to communities if these services are withdrawn.

Sponsored by:
Peter Grant (Scottish National Party)