Media release  27th Jan 2010

Statement from David Thornton

‘Free’ library books have to be paid for by someone.

There is no such thing as a ‘free library book service’. Someone has to pay, at sometime, for the provision of library facilities and the constant stream of new books to stock them.

It is, of course, the ratepayer who pays through the annual council rates bill – although some councils do charge for some services to assist funding needs.

And the amount ratepayers pay is different for each ratepayer, dependent on the value of that ratepayers home.

The amount a ratepayer pays does not depend on that ratepayer’s income – nor is it related to the amount of use which that ratepayer makes of the library facilities.

The notion of ‘free’ libraries dates back to victorian days – in times when such a service was largely a welfare benefit for the poor and needy, and partly to be a source of munimum education. And were usually paid for by volutary organisations and their philanthropic supporters.

Society today is far different to those distant times. We now have a good education system – and income redistribution has, over time, ensured that the numbers of poor and needy have dropped drammatically

Suggestions that Library user-pays charges be introduced across the country will no doubt raise many protest voices – not least from retirees and beneficiaries.

These groups could easily be made exempt from library charges simply by producing their Super Gold Card or confirmation of benefit status.

The alternative is that rates will rise to a level beyond many ratepayers ability to pay – a dire warning given by the Rates Inquiry more than two years ago.

When that happens other, arguably more vital council services will inevitably suffer.

The library issue is just the tip of the iceberg – council expenditure is set to rise everywhere, and cost cutting or raising additional revenue will be the order of the day.

Crunch time is here for council rates – and it time the Government and councils got together and looked at workable and fairer alternatives to rates.

I suggest they look at Scandinavian countries which have a range of alternatives, including local income tax, and which are aimed at ensuring that the taxpayers have the ability to pay.

ends

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