The UK population rose by nearly half a million between mid 2013 and mid 2014 according to statistics from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The ONS has described the increase as ‘above average’. The actual increase of 491,100 (up 0.77%) includes the net international migration of 259,700. The number and proportion of older people continues to rise, with over 11.4 million (17.7% of the population) aged 65 and over.
Many would ask the question is there a limit to the size of the UK population and how long can we sustain this level of growth. To some, this is a boon, they see it as a sign of success that will underpin the security of pensions and economic growth. To others it is seen as a drain on the economy, pressure on services and an unwanted cultural impact.
In fact, it seems that many of our European neighbours, who are struggling with declining populations, look to the UK with envy. The opportunity (or challenge, is your glass half full or half empty?) for the government is clearly there, build a strong economy with a growing workforce and continue to work our way back to prosperity.
The ONS say: “The mid-year population estimates are an important input for a wide number of economic and social statistics. Main users include central and local government and the health sector, where they are used for planning and monitoring service delivery, resource allocation and managing the economy. Additionally, they are used by a wider range of organisations such as commercial companies (for market research), special interest groups and academia as well as being of interest to the general public.”
The full report can be found here: Annual Mid-year Population Estimates, 2014
