Agenda item

To receive the report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Committee noted the report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services, that provided an overview of Barbican and Community Libraries since 2023.

Members noted the wide variety of events, activities and projects offered by the service to support both the learning and development and economic needs of people in the communities who use them, noting also the steady increase in post-pandemic visits and issues as the services continues to support the wider work of the sector through collaboration with other departments, other boroughs and national organisations. Members noted that further resources have been devoted to services for young people.

A Member asked how services were promoted to residents of the Golden Lane estate, and the meeting heard that newsletters are widely distributed among other communication initiatives. 

On the Bostock Community Room (section 7) Members sought confirmation that the deadline would not slip any further, and the meeting heard that further delays were not expected.

On the Landsec issue at Shoe Lane (section 15), a Member asked whether any collective pressure could be exerted. The meeting heard that the matter is being discussed, but that the payment is already half of what it could be according to the lease conditions.