Hi
In doing the Public Libraries News website, I am already noticing an increasing number of comments along the lines of "there's no point in shutting them or splitting them up now, keep them open until private companies take them over next year". Combine this with the "Open Public Services" agenda - http://www.openpublicservices.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ - and the implications are clear.
This is what I have written (the original has links) on the site http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/p/privatized-and-volunteer-libraries.html -
"Furthermore, it is worth noting that the Localism Bill, should it become law, will mean that privatisation will need to be considered as an option regardless of any council opposition to it. It contains a "right to challenge" for anyone who thinks they can run the service better. Publicised as a chance for community groups to take over failing or inefficient services, in reality it may be private companies that use the legislation to force competitive tendering. Cllr Theo Blackwell of Camden Council has said that “we are in a slipstream of privatisation that will prove hard to stand up against. This bill is a one-way ticket towards privatisation. We would like to make a strong statement, ruling out private firms, but have been advised that when the new bill becomes law, this could actually be illegal.” . The White Paper Open Public Services was launched on 10th July 2011."
My understanding (I am not a lawyer and would be happy to be corrected) is that if a private company, or voluntary organisation, or Aunty Mabel from Number 22 suggests that they can do the service better, the council will be required to allow them to compete on a level playing field. In reality, Aunty Mabel and others are unlikely to do this (all the volunteer groups I have seen are "only" getting involved in running libraries because the council has made it clear the branch will shut otherwise) and so the big impact will be on accelerating privatisation.
It means that LSSI or Laing or (who knows) Tesco Libraries plc will challenge any council they wish and the council will need to prove they can do the job better or the private company will win the contract.
Under the terms of the bill, no-one working in the public sector this year can rule out the possibility of their own library service being privatised next year.
CILIP is currently working on its response to the document. You can influence their response by emailing them or, alternatively, you can comment directly on the government website http://www.openpublicservices.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/public-sector-workers/
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