Somerset County Council says more pressure is being put on care services

THE latest Census information has revealed the over-60 population in North Somerset and Somerset has grown by almost a quarter in the past 10 years.

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The 2011 Census data, released on Monday, also shows North Somerset’s population has increased by 7.3 per cent in the past 10 years.

The figures have led to some concerns that authorities in the region will struggle to cope with the increased number of elderly people.

In North Somerset the number of people aged 60 and older has risen from 46,811 in 2001 to 56,800 last year – a 21 per cent increase.

And in Sedgemoor that number has risen from 26,154 in 2001 to 32,000 last year – a 22 per cent increase.

Christine Lawrence, a councillor at Somerset County Council, said: “These new Census figures confirm what the council already knows – that the demand for adult care services is rocketing, at a time when we face huge Government cutbacks in our income.

“It is a national problem, but here in Somerset these figures show just how difficult it will be to balance budgets and the standards of care we are able to offer an ageing population.”

The statistics have also revealed that in North Somerset there are 88,200 households, while in Sedgemoor District Council there are 48,800.

Of the 202,600 residents in North Somerset, 199,200 live in households while the remaining 3,300 reside in communal establishments – that is, accommodation that is supervised or managed.

The age range of 45-49 has the largest number of residents in the district – 7,700 for both men and women. The next highest range is 40-44, which encompasses 15,000 people.

In Sedgemoor the 45-49 age range is also the highest – with 4,500 women and 4,400 men in the district.

Similarly, the age range 40-44 is also the second highest, with 8,000 people.

Of people residing in Sedgemoor, 113,100 live in households and 1,500 in communal establishments.