Concerns over ageing population

County councillors are concerned over the rising percentage of ageing population in Herefordshire.

Herefordshire Council estimates that the proportion of residents aged over 65 will be more than 30% in most of the county by 2028.

Councillors discussed the implications of an ageing population during yesterday’s cabinet meeting.

Officers believe dementia will continue to rise in the county due to the ageing population and say it is a priority to raise awareness and support to help all those affected so they can live well with the condition.

Councillor Alan Seldon said it was striking that charts show the ageing population.

He said a fairer funding arrangement for the council would be needed from central government after the coronavirus pandemic ends.

Coun Seldon said he was concerned that more than 30% of people will be aged 65 or over across most areas in the county.

“That gives an indication of the scale of the challenges ahead.

“And what comes out of the post Covid world, as far as local government finance is concerned, there has to be some kind of adjustment made.

“We can’t go on as we are.”

Overall numbers of children in the county have declined by around 7% over the last decade, according to the council’s market position statement.

However, figures show the number of under-fives and births have been rising for the best part of the last decade.

The next five years are expected to show a gradual increase in the numbers of children, to around 33,200 by 2023.