Councillor Jonathan Cook, deputy leader of Wandsworth council, has commented on Wandsworth's big idea to look at competitively tendering their library and heritage service. They believe a new and competitive market of library service providers has emerged with the potential to improve delivery and reduce costs.

Councillor Jonathan Cook said:"Together with neighbouring Croydon council, an extensive market testing exercise has confirmed there are a range of providers out there with the resources and expertise to challenge the traditional in-house service model. They have the potential to provide a new range of services alongside core library duties, and they could be better positioned to leverage additional capital investment. All this could be done while making the saving we need to balance our books and prevent cuts to services."

Jonathan continues: "Organisations that make our shortlist will be invited to discuss the length, form and content of a contract. New resident services, new sources of capital investment and different management models will all be on the table during these discussions. The talks will be subject to explicit rules and the dialogue conducted in stages, to gradually reduce the number of options we consider until we arrive at our best bidder.

"First we will team up with Croydon, next we must look to share our costs and buying power with more of our neighbours. Councils still considering a library closure programme should follow this process closely. We believe there is another way."