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August 23, 2006
Very important message
Mr Elgar Atkins has read the 1964 Libraries Act and he writes-
Been reading the Act.
It places a duty on the Minister to superintend and promote the
improvement of the library services provided by the 149 library authorities and the library authorities must provide him with information to enable him to carry out this duty.
It places a simple duty on library authorities to provide a
comprehensive and efficient library service for persons desiring to make use thereof.
It gives the Minister the power to make orders compelling improvements in library services and, in the event of default to dissolve a library authority and replace it with something better or to take direct control of a library authority. But these powers will only be exercised if the Minister reeceives a complaint.
So here is where the power of the people comes in. If your readers get stuck in the treacle of local authority administration, their remedy is simply to lay a formal complaint to the Minister who is duty bound (by law under this Act) to investigate and respond.
I commend this course of action to your bloggers.
Posted by Tim Coates at August 23, 2006 8:12 PM
Comments
Is there a specific minister for this? Is the one for culture or sport? Or maybe they are the same one.
Posted by: Clare at August 24, 2006 8:06 AM
Clare
Yes, the Minister is David Lammy, who is Minister of State for the Arts and the public library service falls within his area of responsibilities. He is the minister referred to in the Act. He is one of the ministers in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Cockspur Street.
His boss is Tessa Jowell, who is Secretary of State.
Posted by: Tim Coates at August 24, 2006 12:18 PM
To lend extra oomph to any complaint, it would be worthwhile writing to the local MP and encourage him/her to join in the action.
Posted by: Elgar Atkins at August 24, 2006 4:07 PM