Enfield Council 'cost-cutting' library closure plan slammed

Enfeld Council's 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 authority faces growing financial pressures.

During a debate on the proposed cuts on Wednesday (September 18), 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.”

Part One - Enfield Newly Elected Councillors 7th May 2022.

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.”

Cllr 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. She said: “We must run a sustainable service, within the resources we have.

Chinelo Anyanwu

“After £228 million 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 council, which includes a potential £11.4 million budget deficit for 2024/25. 

Cabinet member for health Cllr 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: “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.