Infrastructure Delivery Plan (Feb 2013) - Runnymede Borough Council

Risk Assessment
14.57 The main risk to this type of infrastructure designation is the success of the Community
Partnered Libraries in maintaining standards and meeting the needs of the community.
Such libraries rely heavily on volunteers and or fund raising for a paid member of staff.
As a result there may be a risk of a reduction of service in the longer term. SCC has
reported that both New Haw and Virginia Water libraries have suitable steering groups,
and volunteers have come forward to run them. New Haw library became a Community
Partnered library on 1st October 2012. Virginia Water will become a community
partnered library on 12th January 2013.
14.58 In particular, there are potential negative impacts of Community Partnered Libraries, as
less direct contact with staff members and more reliance on a self service kiosk could
alienate those residents who are disabled or elderly. This lack of face-face service
could act as a barrier to the service meeting the needs of the Borough’s residents. The
risk of a reduction in service in the longer term could have a significant impact on
residents who would be less likely to access alternative library services, in particular
the elderly or disabled. New Haw (Community Partnered Library) residents could be
most affected due to being one of the libraries in Surrey with the highest proportion of
people aged 65 and over. It is also reported 49 that the proportion of people who may
also have difficulties with self-service is likely to be higher in areas of greater
deprivation, where levels of unemployment are higher, and qualifications lower.
Conclusion
Risk ID Description Probability Severity
IDPR052
Community partnered libraries failing to
maintain standards and the needs of
the community
14.59 The County Council are reviewing service provision across the County. In Runnymede
however, at the current time all existing libraries are proposed to remain open, with
New Haw and Virginia Water becoming community run to maintain the existing service.
14.60 The library service continues to reinvent itself to meet the needs of the community,
providing free and universal access to education, literacy, and lifelong learning. They
increasingly perform a valuable role as community hubs which link in with the strategy
of community partnered libraries.
Services for Older People (Voluntary Services)
Existing conditions
14.61 RBC provides a number of discretionary community services to the residents. These
services are mainly designed and aimed at helping older people to maintain their
independence in a variety of ways. This includes assisting them to remain in their
homes, to enable them to actively participate in their community, and to have the
opportunity to meet other people, all whilst receiving support in accessing any services
they might require.
14.62 Due to advances in health and living conditions, there are now more people over state
pension age in the UK than children. By 2050, a 65 – year old man in Britain can
expect to live to 91, In 1950, his life expectancy was 76 50 . Chapter 8, Health, section
Private Healthcare, Nursing and Residential Care provides projections and current
figures for this age group.
Low
Low
49
PVR: Surrey Library Service-Community Partnered Libraries cabinet report 24july 2012 (Item 6)
50
Source: http://www.local.gov.uk/ageing-well
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Runnymede IDP DRAFT – February 2013