Shropshire's ageing population revealed

TWO IN five residents in part of Shropshire will be over the age of 65 in the next 20 years, new Government figures revealed today.

Ministers have published an Age Map they said showed that the country had a "real silver lining" and "graphically illustrated" how an ageing population would need more public finances.

The information was published to back the Government's call to increasing the state pension age to 66.

Areas where around two out of five people will be aged over 65 by 2031 include south Shropshire.

Today, 25.8 per cent of the local population is made up of over 65s, compared to an average of 16.5 per cent across the UK.

And that figure is set to rise to 37.3 per cent by 2031, against a UK average of just over 22 per cent.

This trend builds on a life expectancy increase of 40 per cent over the last 25 years and, with more pensioners than people under 16, presents society with one of its greatest opportunities and challenges.

Mike Seale chief officer for the Shropshire Association of Senior Citizens' Forums, said the organisation could predict problems in the future.

He said:"One of the problems Shropshire Council face is that about half their budget is the education budget and this is ringfenced. The budget for the senior citizens has not kept pace ."

Pensions Minister Steve Webb said: "We cannot ignore our ageing society - it brings great opportunity if we rise to the challenge. We must harness the skills and experience of our older generations. We must also provide the right support. We are making changes to re-invigorate a culture of saving and will ensure that when you get your State Pension it provides a proper foundation."

By Sophie Bignall