Calderdale Libraries' Book Buying Budget 'In Year' Cuts 2011/2012

Dear Ms Roper,

We acknowledge receipt of your request which we have allocated reference 8684.

It is our intention to have the information for you by 29 December 2011. There are a limited number of exemptions that may prevent us from releasing the information but we will endeavour to answer your request in as much detail as possible.

Once the information has been identified, Calderdale Council may also ask that a fee be paid for processing and delivering the information to you. You will be notified as soon as possible with the details of any fee to be charged in connection with your request.

Any future correspondence you may have in relation to this matter should be sent to me.

Yours sincerely
--
Steven Lilley
IT Officer, Safer & Stronger Communities
01422 393236

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Dear Mr Roper,

apologies, I should have realised that you are male.

The paragraph regarding charges is a standard paragraph.

A charge for information would only be made where the time taken to produce the response exceeds the "appropriate limit". This is approximately 18.5 hours. However, if it is calculated that such a limit might be reached we notify the requester. We then work with them to identify how we can reduce the request so as to avoid charge. If this is unavoidable we have two options. We can either (a) do the work and charge the requester or (b) refuse to release under Section 12 of the Act. Regrettably we would usually have to choose option (b) as we don't have staff with spare capacity to handle time consuming requests.

Regards
--
Steven J Lilley
01422 393236

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Dear Mr Roper,

In response to your request:

1.When the decision to reallocate the budget or cut the budget was made?
a) During week beginning 24th October 2011

2.The amount of savings made by cutting the Book Buying Budget?
a) Current estimates of financial year effect would be approximately £65,000

3. How the decision was made?
a) The decision was made following a review of service budgets and a number of options were considered to achieve a balanced budget. The reduction in spend does not affect some commitments as outlined in 6a)

4.By whom the decision was made?
a) Director of Communities agreed following impact assessment from Service Manager. Reported to Cabinet as part of Council Revenue Monitor report on 21st November. Link: http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/council/cou...

5.Why the decision was made while the consultation on changes to Calderdale Libraries is ongoing?
a) No direct connection, it was an in year decision taken to help balance the budget within Cultural Services

6. What factors were taken into account during the decision making process?
a) The likely impact of the decision on library customers, stock and suppliers. To help mitigate the effect on people with visual impairments, large print and talking books are still being bought. Any orders and standing orders that were placed before 24th October are being honoured as this meets contractual agreements with suppliers. Stock is being purchased to support prearranged and advertised Children's activities and events.

7. From what date does/did the cut start and when will the Book Buying Budget be reinstated
a) During week beginning 24th October 2011. The decision will be reviewed in January 2012, in light of budget pressures within Cultural Services at this point in time.

8. Which budget the money that was allocated to book buying for Calderdale Libraries has been reallocated to now the decision has been made?
a) The money has been used to balance budgets across the service.

9. Whether any of the Book Buying budget will remain allocated to libraries during the period in question?
a) Any orders placed with book suppliers before week beginning the 24th October 2011 are being honoured to meet contractual conditions. Standing orders (yearly orders) for Large Print books, Talking Books and Reference Library books are being honoured. Funding has also been set aside to fund the purchase Children's Book of the Year titles and stock for the Schools' Library Service.

10. The percentage of the overall Libraries Budget that the Book Buying Budget before the cut represented?
a) 7.86%

11. The total Libraries Budget for 2011/12 both before and after 'in year' budget changes?
a) Before - £2,631,311. After - £2,613,257

12. Details of any addition 'in year' cuts for the year 2011/12 to the Libraries Budget designed to make savings?
a) None, other than normal budget balancing work to ensure that libraries bring in a balanced budget at the 31/3/12.

13. Details of any planned cuts in the Libraries Budget for the year 2012/13?
a) Nothing further than that which has been previously announced and decided at Budget Council In February 2011.

If for any reason you are unhappy with our response, you are entitled to approach the Council with complaints or comments. This can be done in writing and addressed to the Head of Democratic & Partnership Services, Westgate House, Westgate, Halifax, HX1 1PS.

If you remain dissatisfied with our response, please contact the Information Commissioner, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF.

Yours sincerely
--
Steven Lilley
IT Officer, Communities Directorate
01422 393236

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ok, thanks. Just ask if you need anything else.

Regards
--
Steven J Lilley
01422 393236

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