The future of the County’s museums, libraries and archives will be discussed by Herefordshire Council’s General Scrutiny Committee on Monday, April 9th, 2018.

Like other councils across the country, Herefordshire is reviewing the way it runs its museum, library and archives service as budget savings demand the prioritisation of services. The services currently cost the council over £1.5 million each year to run. The General Scrutiny Committee will be asked to consider ways of keeping libraries and museums open with the help of volunteers, investment, income generation and long term planning.

Herefordshire Council recently demonstrated its commitment to these services by investing in the state of the art Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre (HARC) and the refurbishment of the Black and White House Museum. However, as Herefordshire Council faces increased pressure on budgets and the removal of Government funding by 2020, the General Scrutiny Committee will be asked to offer views on how these service can be delivered sustainably in the future.

Herefordshire Council has been in consultation with service user groups and service users since 2013. Herefordshire Council Cabinet will consider the recommendations made by the General Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, May 10th, 2018. The future resilience of museum, libraries and archive services documents can be found on the council website.