Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement of £13 million for rolling out more Business & Intellectual Property Centres in today’s Budget, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said:
“This funding demonstrates that the Government have heard our calls for greater recognition of the vital role that libraries play in helping businesses to innovate and grow.
“Libraries provide a diverse range of services in our communities and bring people together to learn, network and access free Wi-Fi which improves digital skills and employability. They deliver unrivalled value for money and return on investment, generating £6.95 for every £1 of public funding.
“The British Library’s Business & IP Centre Network improves careers and livelihoods. Research shows that of those Business & IP users who went on to start a new business, half were women and more than a third came from the BAME community.
“Councils are committed to improving the life chances of their residents and stand ready to work with the Government to grow local economies and the entrepreneurs of the future.”
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