Introduction

The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced his autumn budget and Spending Review on 27 October. The Government stated that it “will provide billions of pounds to deliver the priorities of the British people by investing in stronger public services, levelling up opportunity, driving business growth and helping working families with the cost of living.”

Spending Reviews announcements are always eagerly awaited by all across the public sector, but often take some analysis and decoding to work out what they will actually mean in terms of funding and priorities.

This webinar on 11 November will explore what funding and opportunities the Spending Review presents for public libraries. It will look at the wider context of the outlook for local government that provides 90% of library funding, indicate what specific funding there may be for libraries, and also explore some less obvious opportunities. Places are free and can be booked now via Eventbrite.

Speakers

Ian Leete, Senior Adviser – Culture, Tourism and Sport, Local Government Association

Setting the context: what does it mean for local government?

James Hempsall OBE, National Programme Director Childcare Works

How the Holiday Activity and Food programme will be supported by an extra £200m, and what this means for libraries.

Liz Hodgman, Lead Early Years Peer Review, LGA

£200m is being provided to fund Family Hubs . What will this mean for libraries?