What is the policy / strategy / function/ trying to achieve / do?
Removal of the 3 mobile library vans and all associated costs including staffing and book fund budget.
If this is a budget saving, how will the saving be achieved?
There will be a reduction of 5 FTE from the service, realised through voluntary severance, redeployment and removal of vacant posts. Three mobile library vans will be removed and associated operating costs will be saved. There will be a total saving of £235,458.
If this policy is subject to the FSD what does it suggest about the impact or potential impact on socio-economic disadvantage?
Low Impact
Increased travelling times, with associated costs to enable borrowers to get access to library services via a static branch.
Low Wealth
Increased travelling times, with associated costs to enable borrowers to get access to library services via a static branch.
Material Deprivation
Lack of access to reading and other materials currently available on the mobile library.
Area Deprivation
Access to mobile library services in rural areas and areas over 1 mile from a static branch.
Give details of the impact it has on groups and individuals
Age
Elderly users (60+) make up the largest proportion of the mobile library service user group (30%). Some are less mobile and use the mobile library service for this purpose.
Elderly library users as well as parents of younger users will be consulted on future library service provision through face-to-face discussions during the service draw down period.
Disabled people and people with long term health conditions
People with specific physical and other disabilities are users of the mobile library service and may be less mobile making static library services less accessible.
Disabled library users and customers with long-term health conditions will be consulted through face-to-face discussions during the service draw down period.
Children and families
Children make use of the children’s resources and the children’s mobile library and make up 27% of active users. Those living and attending school in more rural locations may not be able to access static library services.
Parents of younger library users as well will be consulted on library service provision through face-to-face discussions during the service draw down period.
Employees - full and part time. Including SES, MAs etc
7 mobile library staff will be affected by this decision, both those remaining with the service and those taking voluntary severance.
Trade unions will be consulted via the normal TU liaison process.
What actions / measures will be put in place or are planned to mitigate any adverse impact or promote equality?
Age
Elderly users (60+) make up the largest proportion of the mobile library service user group. Some are less mobile and/or live I rural areas and use the mobile library service for this purpose. The cessation of service will mean they need to travel to their nearest static branch if they are not able to access service online or utilise the home delivery service. As a group who on average are less affluent, they may incur additional travel costs they are not able to meet.
The impact of service cessation will be mitigated by offering all active mobile library users access to a home delivery service. The availability of alternative online services will also be promoted.
Disabled people and people with long term health conditions:
People with specific physical disabilities may not be able to travel to their nearest static branch.
The impact of service cessation will be mitigated by offering all active mobile library users access to a home delivery service.
Children and families
Children and families living and attending school in more rural locations may not be able to access static library services.
The impact of service cessation will be mitigated by offering all active mobile library users access to a home delivery service. The availability of alternative online services will also be promoted.
Employees - full and part time. Including SES, MAs etc
Some employees are at risk of redundancy and being subject to the redeployment process.
All relevant council policies and procedures will be followed.
The home delivery service will be expanded to enable access to all those mobile library service users who are active borrowers. An awareness raising campaign on how customers can access online lending services will be implemented.
What is the result / recommendations of the EqIA?
Introduce the policy.