Public Library Standard 18 (Hansard, 18 June 2002)

§ Linda Perham
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the annual cost to each London borough if they are to comply with public library standard 18. [61158]

§ Dr. Howells
We are monitoring the application of the public library standards through the Annual Library Planning process. Analysis of the 2001 plans shows that nearly all authorities are using the introduction of the standards to plan for improvements in the quality of their library services but that, in many cases, authorities recognise that this will require them to direct more of their budgets into their library services than hitherto. Most authorities have shown that they will need to build this into their budgets for the financial years up to 2003–04. I shall continue to monitor the ability of authorities to increase their library service budgets through the Annual Library Plan process as, in many cases, authorities have clearly stated that their ability to meet the standards by 2003–04 is dependent on increases in the library budget.
PLS 18, in common with the other public library standards, helps to define authorities' existing statutory obligations under the Public Library and Museums Act 1964 to provide library services that are comprehensive and efficient.
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§ Linda Perham
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what additional resources she has provided to local authorities with large book stocks to enable them to replenish their stocks in accordance with public library standard 18. [61157]

§ Dr. Howells
Funding for public libraries is provided through the Environmental Protection and Cultural Services (EPCS) block administered by the Office of the eputy Prime Minister. Subvention to the EPCS was increased by 4.3 per cent. for 2002–03, a real terms increase of 1.7 per cent.
PLS 18, in common with the other public library standards, helps to define authorities' existing statutory obligations under the Public Library and Museums Act 1964 to provide library services that are comprehensive and efficient.
We are monitoring the application of the public library standards through the Annual Library Planning process. Analysis of the 2001 plans shows that nearly all authorities are using the introduction of the standards to plan for improvements in the quality of their library services but that, in many cases, authorities recognise that this will require them to direct more of their budgets into their library services than hitherto. It is for library authorities to ensure that they make the right allocation of resources to ensure the provision of a comprehensive and efficient service within the meaning of the Act.

§ Linda Perham
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the impact of public library standard 18 on levels of book stocks. [61159]

§ Dr. Howells
The public library standards have been introduced over a three year period, 2001–04, and, although we are monitoring the application of the standards each year through the Annual Library Planning process, it will not be possible to obtain an accurate picture of the impact of PLS 18 on stock levels until the end of 2003–04.
The public library standards help to define authorities' existing statutory obligations under the Public Library and Museums Act 1964 to provide library services that are comprehensive and efficient.