Museums, libraries and community centres in Leicester and the UK

That this House expresses deep concern at the decision by Leicester City Council to consult on closing museums and removing local authority funding for libraries and community centres across Leicester; notes that these vital community assets provide educational, social and cultural value for residents of all ages, particularly children, pensioners and vulnerable people; further notes that many Leicester residents, including parents, students and community leaders, have gathered outside Leicester Town Hall to protest against the proposed plans; recognises that similar threats to libraries and community spaces are emerging in local authorities across the country due to budgetary pressures; believes that libraries and community centres are essential to literacy, social cohesion, digital access and community wellbeing; and calls on Leicester City Council and councils nationwide to prioritise the protection of frontline community services and to urgently review whether savings can instead be achieved through reductions in senior management and administrative costs, rather than closing museums or removing funding from vital public spaces.