Decision details

To agree entering into a contract with Loggerheads Parish Council to manage the Loggerheads Community Managed Library for a 5-year term with an option to extend for a further 5-years.

There are 27 Community Managed Libraries (CMLs) that form part of Staffordshire’s statutory library network.

Staffordshire’s Community Managed Libraries have 5-year contract and lease agreements with Staffordshire County Council which can be renewed for a further 5 years with a further option to extend for 5 years.

On 19 February 2020, Cabinet endorsed and agreed a further support package for the community managed library model which will enable the sustainability of the Community Managed Libraries and support their work within communities. It was agreed that the first contracts and leases could be extended from April 2021.

By December 2022, 16 CML contracts and leases have been renewed and the Blythe Bridge, Knutton and Gnosall contract and lease is in progress.

During 2022, Loggerheads Community Information Shop confirmed their decision not to renew their contract and lease for Loggerheads Library.

Staffordshire County Council’s procurement team have advised that a procurement exercise is not required.

The decision to transfer the lease for Loggerheads Library building will be considered by the Strategic Property Sub-committee on 7th June 2023.

• Staffordshire County Council to manage the library offer at Loggerheads directly. This would impact on the Libraries & Arts revenue budget and the previously delivered MTFS savings.
• A wider invitation to identify a new partner. This would extend the period of transition and uncertainty within the Loggerheads community and there is a risk that no new partners come forward. Procurement have advised that a procurement exercise is not required and that informal discussions could take place to identify a new partner.
• Contract with Loggerheads Parish Council. In 2022 Loggerheads Parish Council voted to investigate the opportunity to manage Loggerheads Library. Since then, Loggerheads Parish Council have engaged with the County Council and met regularly with Libraries and Arts Service Officers and the existing Library volunteers to understand the commitment and legal requirements of managing a CML. In December 2022 Loggerheads Parish Council voted unanimously to manage Loggerheads Library.
The success of the CML model is attributed to the vision of the CML organisations supported by the commitment and enthusiasm of the volunteers and the support provided by the County Council.

During 2021 the County Council began the process of extending the first set of contracts and leases. Cabinet agreed in February 2020 that the County Council would continue to provide the agreed support package for a further 5-year period as detailed below:

a. Continued support from the Library Service – professional guidance, expertise, library stock and sundries (including photocopier lease costs and telephone charges)
b. Continued provision of ICT which will be reviewed annually in line with Staffordshire Managed Libraries.
c. Continued support from Strategic Property which will include ongoing maintenance and cleaning of the library building. Utility costs will be reviewed and may remain at the same level; grounds maintenance will be reviewed on an individual basis and CMLs with charitable status will be required to claim back the 80% business rate rebate that they are entitled to.

Transferring the lease and contract for Loggerheads Library to Loggerheads Parish Council, for a 5-year term with an option to extend for 5-years subject to landlord approval underlines the County Council’s continued commitment to the CML model.