Lead Member – Councillor Andy Hall, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education

Lead Officer – David Shaw, Director of Children’s Services

REPORT TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED

3.1 To approve the proposal to cease the operation by the Council of the Schools Library Service but before closing the Service altogether, delegate to the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, the implementation of an engagement process to ascertain the viability of the service being maintained by a Multi-Academy Trust, Federation, town or parish council, or other third-party organisation. Should that engagement be unsuccessful in identifying a viable interest in operating the Service, it will be closed.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Education presented the report on the School Library Service, a non?statutory offer currently used regularly by only 13 schools across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and beyond.

He explained that due to declining school engagement, rising financial pressures on schools, and the Government’s September 2025 announcement requiring all state schools to have on?site libraries by the end of the parliamentary term, the service was no longer financially viableand was forecast to make a £90,000 loss this year. In light of the Council’s declared financial emergency, options for reducing the cost of non?statutory services had to be considered.

It was proposed that the Director of Children’s Services would seek expressions of interest from external organisations, for example, schools, multi?academy trusts, town and parish councils and charities to explore transferring the service. If no viable provider emerged, the Council may donate resources to schools to support the establishment of their own libraries, aligning with the National Year of Reading 2026.

During discussion, concerns were raised about the viability of transferring the service and the likelihood of it ultimately being discontinued. The Portfolio Holder and Leader emphasised the change in circumstances since previous years, including reduced buy?in from schools, years of under?investment in the book stock, and the new government funding commitments for school libraries.

RESOLVED

3.1 To approve the proposal to cease the operation by the Council of the Schools Library Service but before closing the Service altogether, delegate to the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, the implementation of an engagement process to ascertain the viability of the service being maintained by a Multi-Academy Trust, Federation, town or parish council, or other third-party organisation. Should that engagement be unsuccessful in identifying a viable interest in operating the Service, it will be closed.