Council leaders consult human rights experts over library closures (From Gazette Series)

Gloucestershire County Council leaders consult human rights experts over library closures

9:30am Monday 5th December 2011 in Gloucestershire news By Liza-Jane Gillespie

COUNCIL leaders wanting to close libraries in the county are seeking help from human rights experts.

Gloucestershire County Council has announced that it is working with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) before it re-consults on its proposals for library services.

EHRC is the independent regulator for equality and the UK's National Human Rights Institution.

GCC’s chief executive Peter Bungard confirmed that he has already had discussions with the organisation to ensure the authority’s revised plans for libraries comply with new equality legislation, which was updated this year.

Mr Bungard said: "We take our equalities duties extremely seriously and I am delighted that such a high profile organisation has agreed to work with us.

"The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the leading authority when it comes to these matters.

"I see this as a real opportunity for us to gain valuable experience that will help shape our decision-making processes from now on."

The move follows a judge’s ruling last month, which overturned the council's decisions on changes to library services on equality grounds.

Mark Hammond, chief executive of the ERHC, said the organisation would provide guidance and support to both Gloucestershire and Somerset County Councils to help with decision making in future.

Mr Hammond said: "I'm pleased to be working with both Somerset and Gloucestershire County Councils to help boost their expertise in complying with equality legislation.

"Policies based on a sound knowledge of how decisions may impact on vulnerable groups will help ensure these service users are properly considered if budgets are tightened."

Gloucestershire County Council is currently reviewing its position with regard to libraries and a new consultation and equalities assessment will be carried out in the near future.

In the meantime the authority has said it will continue working with community groups who are keen to take over library services themselves.

For more information about the library service visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries