Politics: Under threat libraries are vital community hubs

Aberdeenshire Council has announced it will be closing 13 libraries across the area – with five in the Aberdeenshire East constituency being impacted, writes MSP Gillian Martin.

This news has come as a shock to many people including councillors who were not all informed of the decision, until the plans became public last week.

Responsible for delivering sports and culture services on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council, Live Life Aberdeenshire appears not to have consulted with elected members, or with the wider public who use their local libraries.

And here’s the thing - libraries contribute so much more than books. They are a community hub for so many people.

From new parents making it along to Bookbug sessions with their babies – a lifeline for many who are going through a tremendous change and maybe want to make friends with new parents or just get out of the house with their wee one.

Then there are the community groups which take place in libraries such as book clubs, knitting groups, local history groups.

Over the winter period we know libraries can act as warm hubs for people – more important than ever this year with the change to the winter fuel allowance by the Labour Government at Westminster.

The libraries in my constituency are also in rural areas and easy, walkable access makes an incredible difference to people who may not be able to travel far or have their own options or be able to afford travelling further afield.

It is incredibly disappointing that Aberdeenshire Council has continued to reduce hours at many of these libraries suggesting the facilities are not used as frequently.

Since the news was announced more than a week ago, I have had many constituents get in touch who are upset and outraged over this decision.

I have written to Aberdeenshire Council and to both Audit Scotland and the Scottish Government to ask how this decision could have been made without more scrutiny and a full and proper consultation process.

There is no doubt that these are challenging financial times, but it is vital we do not slash and burn at services which do so much more for our communities.

Finally, the hike in employers’ national insurance by the UK Government has failed to take into account the pressure which will be placed on the finances and services of local organisations such as charities, care providers and GP surgeries.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has already warned that some GP surgeries would have to close if they are not exempted from the national insurance rise.

This planned hike to employer national insurance contributions is extremely concerning – I am deeply worried about the negative impact this will have on the operations of GPs, charities, care providers and hospices.

In Aberdeenshire we currently have 30 GP practices performing a vital role in our community – any tax hike from the UK government which impacts on their services would be totally unacceptable.

As the MSP for Aberdeenshire East, I am demanding that the UK government urgently reconsiders and excludes charities, GP surgeries, care providers and hospices from this tax rise.