“…PLSS dropped in 2007 – ordered by Comms&LG Dep to “reduce burdens on LAs”. Taking Part survey, CIPFA stats etc but no standards” (see below)

I unfortunately do not currently have the circumstances to be able provide the answer to this, however I can argue the question as being were the Standards dropped with due and proper process and procedure – in a nutshell the DCMS (or bodies otherwise) can advise the libraries on policy and strategic matters, however ‘dropping’ the Standards for the reason given by John Dolan is not strategic or policy advice, it was a reformulation of the Act, which I assume would take Parliamentary consent. If there was a legal loophole that the DCMS were able to crawl through then loopholes can be closed.

Re. local government law, I seem to remember a case in which it was legal for requirements of local government to not be met under conditions where budgets had to be met. But if this is the case then at least let’s not have some sham about the Standards having been dropped.

I am concerned that a not deeply enough thought out legal challenge to the Government will fail.

Notes:

For the history of and rational for (purpose of) the public libraries and the meaning as used at the time of the formulation of the Act of comprehensive & efficient see these two reports:

The Structure of the Public Library Service in England and Wales. Report of the Committee appointed by the Minister of Education in September 1957, etc. [Chairman, Sir Sydney Roberts.].

Standards of public library service in England and Wales.

For an understanding of the role of the Standards in the Act, see this page from Hansard, namely paragraph 517:

PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS BILL

The Act itself:

Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964

And John Dolan’s @johnrdolan tweet 17 Oct 2011

@libraryweb PLSS dropped in 2007 – ordered by Comms&LG Dep to “reduce burdens on LAs”. Taking Part survey, CIPFA stats etc but no standards