Census data reveals extent of aging population in area

The Census revealed that South Lakeland district area has among the most pensioners in England and Wales. The Office for National Statistics revealed that there were 29,300 people aged 65 and over living in the region on Census day last year. 

This was up from 25,121 in 2011 when the Census was last carried out. 

On March 21 last year, 27,800 (26.6 per cent) of those living in South Lakeland were aged 29 or under, down from 29,274 (28.2 per cent) in 2011. 

Of them, 8,300 under-10s called South Lakeland home.

This follows a national trend towards an aging population.

MP Tim Farron said: "The Census reveals that we are seeing a big drop in the number of children and young people in South Lakeland and a massive increase in our elderly population. This is worrying for a number of reasons.

"I am concerned about the enormous impact this could have on our fantastic local schools and nurseries who could struggle to have enough children to continue.  

"The drop in young people is massively worrying for local businesses who are already struggling to recruit the workforce they need to operate.

"Meanwhile we are going to see a big rise in people needing social care at a time when the sector is completely on its knees.

"The factors that have led to this situation - a lack of affordable housing, childcare and public transport  – have been problems in rural communities like ours for a long time. Well the Government cannot ignore these issues any longer. They must act.”

The Census is an important statistical tool that informs government policy. 

It is taken on one day every ten years. The form asks for details on who is living in the household on that day. 

The first data drop was related to population and age demographics. There will be future releases that include figures on ethnicity, religion, the labour market, education, housing, armed forces veterans, sexual orientation and gender identity.