Mariam Kamish, Caerphilly Trades Union Council secretary
Plans for an unspent £5 million in Caerphilly Council’s budget have been met with disbelief. £5 million could secure the future of the ten libraries the Labour council wants to close – for many years to come.
Caerphilly Labour council wants to leave another £2.7 million for ‘contingencies’ – even though they’ve already filled the contingency fund required by their financial officer.
Public outrage has forced Keir Starmer to make U-turns. We hope to make Caerphilly Council do the same.
The council is attempting to off-load four libraries in community asset transfers, and close another six. The council is prioritising ‘hubs’ in larger towns, where they can showcase their ‘investments’ – abandoning our smaller communities.
But we need local libraries. They are so much more than book depositories.
They are the only public spaces left in our communities. We’re not prepared to see them close. The council needs to start listening.
An Audit Wales report found that Caerphilly Council’s scrutiny process was inadequate, the council cabinet was unaccountable, and the council’s consultation failed to take people’s responses into account.
Nothing’s changed
Audit Wales noted they’d highlighted the same shortcomings in 2018. Nothing has improved.
We’re mobilising the community for a fightback. On 7 July, we protested at the council offices, with some protesters dressed as fictional characters. On 19 July, Caerphilly Trades Union Council has a demonstration to save the libraries – and a costume competition for the kids. The council has had a windfall. We demand they spend money to keep our local libraries open.
