Shropshire's pensioner population to hit more than 25 per cent by 2026

And in Telford & Wrekin, the general population is expected to grow by almost 10,000 within eight years.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics today predict population growth for the two local authority areas within Shropshire.

In the Shropshire Council area, it estimates the proportion of senior citizens will increase from 23.6 per cent in 2016 to 27.9 per cent 10 years later.

And by 2036, the ONS thinks over 65s will make up almost a third of the area’s residents.

In Telford & Wrekin, the percentage of the population made up by pensioners is expected to jump from 16.6 per cent in 2016 to 19.4 per cent 10 years later. Almost a quarter of Telford’s population will be over 65 by 2036.

Telford shows a sharp population growth because of new homes and industry moving to the area, with its good links to the rest of the West Midlands through its access to the M54.

The population of Telford and Wrekin will increase by 9,900 by 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Estimates

In 2016, the population was 173,700. By 2026 it is expected to reach 183,600, a rise of 5.7 per cent. The population of the Shropshire Council area will also rise but by less than Telford.

Overall, the ONS estimates Shropshire’s population will increase from 314,400 in 2016 to 326,600 by 2026, a rise of 3.9 per cent.

Every two years the ONS estimates how the population of England will change over the next 25 years. Statisticians study birth and death rates, and look at how the area’s population is ageing. Population growth in Shropshire is below the average for the West Midlands, where it is expected to increase by 5.4 per cent by 2026. In Telford, population growth is above the average for the West Midlands.

The latest population projections indicate how our population is ageing. People are living longer due to improvements in healthcare and technology, however, which puts greater pressure on the NHS and social care.

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK charity director, said: “The fact there are growing numbers of older people is a cause for real celebration, but these figures underline, the need to ensure our health and social care system is fit for the future.” The figures form part of the ONS’ population estimates, calculated every two years.