To receive any requests for Deputations, Presentation of Petitions or Public Questions.
The following petitions concerning the future transformation of the Library Service have been received containing in total 2099 amalgamated signatures. Under the Council’s Procedure Rules they therefore are a qualifying petition which must be debated at Council.
Title: The Future Transformation of Southampton Library Service
These petitions will feed into the consultation process regarding the future transformation of the Library Service and which will inform the ultimate decision.
(i) “We the undersigned petition the Council to maintain and develop Southampton libraries as centres for reading, learning and community activities and to save our libraries from the proposed closures, reduced opening hours and cuts to staff and resources.”
(ii) “Keep Cobbett Road Library as part of the Southampton Library Service with a long term plan to safeguard it against future cuts, appreciating the amazing value it offers to the local community. Work with the local community to help keep the library innovative and offering more but not by Community Asset Transfer.”
(iii) “Burgess Road Library - Save our Library.”
Minutes:
(i) The Council received and noted a deputation together with the submission of petitions from Mr Adrian Vinson concerning wheelie bins and fly tipping and Westridge Road toilets, Portswood.
(ii) The Council received the following petitions. Rachel Hickman, Friends of Cobbett Road Library and Sarah Docherty, on behalf of Burgess Road Library were in attendance and in accordance with the Council’s petition scheme addressed the meeting.
(a) Sam Gould, Save Our Libraries - “We the undersigned petition the Council to maintain and develop Southampton libraries as centres for reading, learning and community activities and to save our libraries from the proposed closures, reduced opening hours and cuts to staff and resources.”
(b) Rachel Hickman, Friends of Cobbett Road Library - “Keep Cobbett Road Library as part of the Southampton Library Service with a long term plan to safeguard it against future cuts, appreciating the amazing value it offers to the local community. Work with the local community to help keep the library innovative and offering more but not by Community Asset Transfer.” and
(c) Bassett Green Primary School - “Burgess Road Library - Save our Library.”
As the amalgamated petitions contained over 1,500 signatures, under the Council’s Procedure Rules, the amalgamated petitions were a qualifying petition which must be debated at Council.
The Council agreed to bring forward item 6(d) on the Council agenda, the motion in the name of Councillor Baillie.
Councillor Baillie moved and Councillor O’Neil seconded:
“Council calls upon the Executive to ensure that all submitted suggestions and options regarding the now finished Library Consultation are fully, openly and thoroughly investigated, with special investigation and consideration given to the general positive physical & mental health improvements that a vibrant community centre such as Cobbett Road Library provides, taking particular advice from Southampton Public Health”.
Amendment moved by Councillor Letts and seconded by Councillor Tucker:
In the second line, delete ‘fully, openly and thoroughly’
In the third line, delete‘special investigation and’
Delete from fourth line ‘community centre such as Cobbett Road Library provides, taking particular advice from Southampton Public Health.’ Replace with ‘library provides.’
Insert two new paragraphs at the start of the motion:
“Council welcomes the petitions regarding the future transformation of the Library Service and thanks all those who have signed them for doing so. Council recognises that this is an issue of concern to many.
Council acknowledges that the consultation period ended on the 6th March and as such the results of the consultation exercise need to be collated and reviewed. Consequently, these petitions will feed into the consultation process and which will inform the ultimate decision.”
Amended Motion to read:
“Council welcomes the petitions regarding the future transformation of the Library Service and thanks all those who have signed them for doing so. Council recognises that this is an issue of concern to many.
Council acknowledges that the consultation period ended on the 6th March and as such the results of the consultation exercise need to be collated and reviewed. Consequently, these petitions will feed into the consultation process and which will inform the ultimate decision.
Council calls upon the Executive to ensure that all submitted suggestions and options regarding the now finished Library Consultation are investigated with consideration given to the general positive physical & mental health improvements that a vibrant library provides”.
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE AMENDMENT WAS DECLARED CARRIED
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION AS AMENDED WAS DECLARED CARRIED
RESOLVED that the motion as amended be approved.