The easy council is a low cost council like a low cost airline you pay for the basic service, everything else is extra. You’re airline ticket is cheap but it you want a drink or something to eat that’s extra. How would this idea work in libraries? The basic service is borrowing a book, but if you want to borrow a DVD or a CD or use the computer that would be extra. Maybe this could be taken the next step forward and you would pay a small joining fee. Is this not better than having to reduce library opening hours or closing small libraries?
Is being cheap the most appropriate criteria for public services like libraries? I used a low cost airline to go to Spain. I had to book on line and print off my booking. So you need access to a computer. To keep costs low airlines want to restrict baggage and so use less fuel. Excess luggage results in an expensive extra charge so everyone carries hand luggage. This in turn means it takes a lot longer to get through security. Low cost airlines don’t allocate seats which means that it is a mad dash onto the plane to get seats next to each other. However, this is good for airlines as getting people on and off quickly reduces their turn round time. Low cost airlines are cheap but they are not very convenient for passengers, customer care comes second to efficiency. Would this be acceptable in the public sector?
What about those who can only afford the basic service? This might be OK for an airline but do we want a two tier NHS or social services?