Discussing the future of libraries and waste services in Camden
Camden is kicking off conversations with its residents on the future shape of libraries and waste services as it starts to work out how to deliver these with less resource.
This follows the council’s decision last year to agree £73m in cuts to balance the budget.
The future shape of library services came under the spotlight during a successful event at the British Library attended by more than 100 users and residents who heard an expert panel give their views. Many then took the opportunity to meet and speak to library staff following the debate to share their own ideas about the future of libraries.
This was the start of discussions the council plans on having over the next six months with library users, local communities and partners about how it can reshape local library provision with less resource.
Residents can share their ideas between now and the end of April, online (camden.gov.uk/futurelibraries) or at their local library, to help shape the proposals that will be put forward as part of the formal consultation process to commence in early May.
“We are facing unprecedented cuts across our library service.
“We haven’t taken any decisions on how the savings will be made, which is why we want to consult with library users, local communities and stakeholders, to explore how we can deliver our library services with less resource.
“We want to hear as many ideas and thoughts about the future role of libraries as possible over the coming months to help us develop a future strategy for library services.”
The Council has also started work on the design of its new waste, recycling and street cleaning contract, which will start in April 2017.
The Council is asking for residents’ ideas on how to reduce costs, particularly through encouraging everyone to take responsibility for keeping local areas clean and tidy, as well as how to drive up recycling rates.
It has arranged a series of drop-in events throughout the borough for people to add their views or to comment on other people’s ideas.