Government names inspector for Wirral libraries inquiry

May 6 2009 Wallasey News

THE inspector appointed to lead an inquiry into the proposed closure of Wirral libraries says she will “thoroughly examine” all available evidence.

Former London borough chief executive Sue Charteris was named last week as the person who will make a recommendation to Culture Minister Andy Burnham on the possible closure of 11 out of 24 Wirral libraries.

The inquiry, announced by Mr Burnham on April 3, will “assess whether, in taking the proposed changes to the library service” leave Wirral “in default of their statutory duties”.

The Public Libraries and Museums Act (1964) charges all local authorities with providing a “comprehensive and efficient” library service.

Should Wirral Council be found to be falling short of these duties, the inquiry will recommend steps they need to take to correct this.

Mr Burnham said: “This inquiry has the potential to affect the thousands of people on the Wirral who have a right to a comprehensive and efficient library service.”

Mr Burnham said it is a time when local government is “economically challenged” but “we also have a responsibility to ensure that local services are safeguarded from swingeing changes that could be potentially damaging to communities”.

Sue Charteris, a founder director of Shared Intelligence, a company which helps improve public services and delivery, said: “My advice to the Secretary of State will be based on a thorough study of the evidence, and I will give all interested parties the opportunity to comment.” Her report is due in June, and the Secretary of State’s decision will follow shortly after.

Ms Charteris is a former chief executive of the London borough of Merton and executive director of Kirklees local authority.

Leah Fraser, prospective Conservative MP for Wallasey, said it was a “sad indictment” that Wirral needed the inquiry.

Labour MP Stephen Hesford added: "At last the inquiry is under way. I certainly will be making a submission to Ms Charteris and I urge everyone to do the same.”

Wirral South’s Ben Chapman said: “Obviously there must be significant consultation.”

A spokeswoman for the Culture department said fuller details of the formal inquiry session will be published shortly, “although there will be a number of meetings with interested parties during the pre-inquiry phase of information gathering”.