LIBRARIES: GREENS SAYS PLASTER WORK FAILS TO MAKE UP FOR CUTS
Commenting on the launch of the Scottish Government’s ‘Love Your Library' project, the Scottish Green Party has called for long-term solutions to end the plight of Scotland's library services.
The campaign, unveiled today by Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Angela Constance, will see additional funding directed to libraries in deprived communities.
Zara Kitson, SGP spokesperson on Culture for the Scottish Greens, commended the decision to increase support for deprived communities, but highlighted that the pressure on library funding was a result of severe cuts to local authority budgets carried out by the SNP administration.
Kitson called for future funding for libraries and other essential services to be secured through fair local tax reform.
Zara said:
“Many will be watching this Government drive to increase library funding with conflicting emotions. Its’ great that the cabinet secretary is directing support to the most deprived communities where kids are struggling to learn to read and libraries are desperate for more resources. But
“The Scottish Government cannot just plaster the damage caused by cuts to vital public services. The long-term solution to funding libraries and other public services is a fair form of local tax. The Scottish Greens will be campaigning for strong local authorities with the power and resources to fund our libraries and other essential services.”