The report outlines progress in the service areas of museums, libraries and archives in light of the recommendations of the LGA (local government association) peer review; and associated decisions in relation to the services under review.

The report covers key activity relating the delivery of the LGA recommendations specifically in terms of producing plans outlining the service and process for exploring outsourcing the services.  The report also seeks agreement of two key expenditure items relating to the services – namely requirements to repair the roof in Hereford to prevent weather damage and one off investment in the homeland project as initiative of national importance.

That:

(a)         the operational plans for services covering museums, libraries and archives in appendix two are approved;

(b)        proceed with soft market test for museums, libraries and archives;

(c)         work for Hereford Library roof and maintenance work be undertaken at a cost of no more than £200k capital expenditure;

(d)        investment of £40k for the Weeping Window project commemorating the end of World War 1 for one-off expenditure of £40k inclusive of £6.4k from the residual Library and Museum Support Fund; and

(e)         the reassignment of the capital spend be approved as follows:

Alternative options

1.         The alternative option is to reject the recommendations of the LGA peer review, specifically in terms of outsourcing service and production of plans.  However, they support the transformation of the service in exploring the alternative governance and management arrangement that could potentially benefit the service and help deliver the medium term financial strategy.

2.         The repair to the roof at Hereford Library is needed to prevent continued erosion and prevent leakages.  There is the option of delaying the work, which is possible as the roof is structurally sound, but could result in cost of emergency repair if water leaks into the building; also the Woolhope Club are keen to relocate back to the Library and Museum and that is not recommended without repairs to the roof.  The other alternative option regarding the Library is to spend considerably more to open-up the roof and skylight.  This is aesthetic work and it is proposed to be part of a funding programme.

3.         Cease capital expenditure on the libraries.  The capital programme has already agreed expenditure (link) on libraries to mitigate on savings to the service in generating more income from hire of spaces and for more customers to use self-service.