The opposition Conservatives called a fresh debate on the library closures but again failed to force a rethink on the proposal, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

John Jackson Library with Labour's Chinelo Anyanwu (left) and Tory Edward Smith (right) — John Jackson Library with Labour’s Chinelo Anyanwu (left) and Tory Edward Smith (right)

A proposal to shut eight Enfield Council-run libraries has been fiercely criticised by opposition councillors worried about the impact it could have on young people and residents on low incomes.

Plans to close Bullsmoor, Enfield Highway, Enfield Island Village, Bowes Road, Southgate, Winchmore Hill, Oakwood and John Jackson libraries could save up to £630,000 per year in costs as the council faces growing financial pressures.

However, during a debate on the proposed cuts at a full council meeting yesterday (Wednesday 18th), Conservative councillor Edward Smith said: “In our view this is essentially a cost-cutting exercise. We understand the council is in financial crisis, we also know the administration will blame the former central government – we do not accept this of course.

“We think the reasons for the financial crisis are largely of their own making. It’s worth noting the annual savings from the proposed closure of eight libraries is insignificant compared to the £25m-a-year debt [repayment] charge the borough’s council taxpayers face at the moment.”

Cllr Smith also questioned some of the council’s figures and said: “The council has projected £600,000 in savings in operating and staffing costs, £5.3m in maintenance costs, and £3m in capital receipts if the sites were sold off. The only thing we have any confidence in gaining is the staff and operating costs, the other two projections are highly speculative.”

Chinelo Anyanwu, cabinet member for environment, culture, and public spaces, accused the opposition of “once again” providing criticism “without alternatives”.

Describing the Conservative group’s attitude as “do nothing” she defended the Labour administration’s approach and said: “We must run a sustainable service, within the resources we have.

“After £228million worth of savings made since 2010, thanks to central government cuts and their [Conservative] party, it has become harder and harder.

“This administration has protected our libraries and run a higher than average number compared to neighbouring boroughs.”

A series of new reports have shed light on the financial challenges faced by the civic centre, which includes a potential £11.4m budget deficit for 2024/25.

Cabinet member for health Alev Cazimoglu reiterated that the debate was an “opportunistic attempt” to cause harm rather than wait for the results of the library consultation “on which no decision has taken place”.

Labour councillor Josh Abey said: “This debate provides no value beyond political gain to win the Tories votes.”

He added: “The Tories have demonstrated they live in an alternative reality where the world only extends to the borders of Enfield and nothing has ever happened beyond there.

“After the previous government came to power in 2010 about one in every five libraries in the UK closed. Almost 1,000 more libraries on top of that have reduced their operating hours.

“Do they think it’s a consequence, across the country, that it happened on their watch? It’s just not credible for them to sit there and pretend they care about libraries.”

Conservative councillor Chris Joannides pointed to delays to the 10,000-home Meridian Water regeneration programme in Edmonton as evidence of the council’s failings.

He said: “Closing down eight libraries may be a soft touch and save the council some money but it won’t be enough to prevent them from the embarrassment of going bankrupt.

“This Labour administration, which has been in power for 14 years, is out of touch and needs to take some responsibility for its precarious financial circumstances. We all know Labour are very good at wasting money, don’t take my word for it, look at Meridian Water.”

Following the debate, councillors voted along party lines, meaning the libraries consultation process will continue.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.