What consideration has the Cabinet Secretary given to introducing a duty for local authorities to keep libraries open?
The Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 section 7 requires local authorities which are library authorities to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ library service. Under section 1 of the 1964 Act, Welsh Ministers have a responsibility ”to superintend and promote the improvement of library services“ and to secure the proper discharge of these functions.
It is the responsibility of individual authorities to determine the pattern of provision within their area. Each local authority reports annually on their performance against the Welsh Public Library Standards and is expected to consider and respond to the feedback report which is provided.