Labour Council Leader refuses to deny decision is due to Commissioners demanding greater cuts to Library Service
At Tuesday’s Full Meeting of the City Council, Green Party Councillor Julien Pritchard asked the Council’s Labour Leader why the decision on libraries had been delayed from January’s Council Cabinet meeting to February.
Cllr Pritchard also asked whether there was any truth to the rumour that the decision on library closures was delayed from the January meeting was because “The City Commissioners are not happy at the level of cuts” and want “greater slashing of library Services.”
Labour’s Leader of the Council refused to deny this, saying “My operating rule in these circumstances is to not listen to fear but rely on facts.” However, Cllr Cotton declined to set out what these ‘facts’ were.
When asked later about the Leader’s response, Julien said:
“It’s disappointing, but not surprising, that Cllr Cotton refused to reassure Brummies that there was no truth to the rumour of even greater library cuts.”
“Libraries are absolutely vital for Birmingham residents. The proposed cuts to libraries were bad enough. Any further cuts proposed at the 11th hour would make further mockery of the library plans and consultation.”
Birmingham’s Green Councillors will continue to push for answers on Library Services and demand they are protected for Birmingham’s residents