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Culture secretary, Andy Burnham, has ordered an inquiry into Wirral MBC's plan to plug a potential budget deficit by closing local libraries. Mr Burnham wants to test whether the council's plan is consistent with its statutory duty to provide all residents with a comprehensive public library service. Following a strategic asset review, Wirral's leaders proposed closing 11 poorly-attended library sites. Wirral's libraries, which the council inherited, have a backlog of repairs estimated at £10m. The authority reportedly faces a predicted budget deficit of £12.7m within two years, as revenue streams dry up during the recession. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is now warning that if the council's current proposals are found to be inadequate, the inquiry would include ‘practical steps that should be taken by the Wirral to put things right'. Mr Burnham said: ‘Public libraries play a central role at the heart of our communities. ‘They should never be an optional extra for local authorities. ‘My strategic advisers on library matters, the MLA, has made it clear to me that there is a significant gap in the available evidence on the likely impact the Wirral's plans to close 11 branches will have on the community.' Senior sources at Wirral MBC said ministerial insistence on changes to the council's plan could have ‘significant financial implications'. Speaking recently, Wirral leader, Steve Foulks, said the decision to propose the closures was ‘not something we take lightly'.

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WHITEHALL

Wirral plan to close libraries faces probe

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