Proposal to freeze library fees
Councillors at tonight’s Strategy, Finance & City Regeneration Committee will discuss proposals to freeze library fees and charges from April this year.
Like all council services, the city’s libraries have had to find savings and additional income as part of the proposals to close a £30 million budget gap for the next financial year.
However, as part of the drive to minimise the impact of the cuts on frontline services that many people rely on, the proposal is to keep fees and charges across library services at the current rates, rather than introduce the 3.5% inflationary increase agreed across other council fees and charges.
This includes keeping the current charges for the use of public computers beyond the first free hour, where increasing charges or decreasing the free time could likely impact residents who are digitally excluded.
Instead, the proposal is to increase retail and room rental income through , helped by the popularity of the Business and Intellectual Property Centre rooms, and the Booklover retail space at Jubilee Library.
A refurbishment of the Jubilee Library conference rooms is planned in the next year, which will involve a review of pricing and promotion of the spaces to commercial organisations.
With these changes, the city’s library service will be able to achieve the additional income, without needing to raise fees and charges for customers in April 2024.
Supporting communities
Councillor Leslie Pumm, chair of the Equalities, Communities and Human Rights Committee said: “Our city’s libraries sit at the heart of our communities and deliver much more than books – they are there to offer support through every stage of life.
"It’s no secret that council budgets across the country are extremely stretched, and we've had to make many very difficult decisions to deliver the £30 million savings needed in Brighton & Hove.
“Within that context, we’re very happy to be able to freeze library fees and charges to make sure that vital support remains accessible to all, especially residents who may not otherwise be able to access digital services.”