64 65
Demographic change in Liverpool has led to new household structures. As has been seen elsewhere, there has been a steady decrease in household size, and an increase in one-person households. The Census in 2001 showed an average household size of about 2.3 people. At that time, more than one third of the households consisted of one person. In addition, non-traditional household types increased in importance (Table 4.5.2). 16% of the total households were single retired adults without children; and 12% were one-parent households with dependent children. Table 4.5.2_Liverpool – household indicators in 2001 (census data)
Total
Share
Resident population
439,200
-
Number of households
187,900
-
Number of one-person households
69,400
36.9%
One-person household: retirement age and no children
29,700
15.8%
One-parent households with dependent child(ren)
24,000
11.5%
One-parent households with no dependent child(ren)
9,900
5.3%
2.3
-
Average household size Source: LCC 2001
Liverpool’s economic decline in the last few decades has also had socio-economic consequences. To date, compared with the average for the UK as a whole, Liverpool has higher unemployment, a higher proportion of people claiming benefits, and lower household incomes (LCC 2008a, 2008b). At the end of 2006, the unemployment rate was more than 26% (UK as a whole: 14.7%). All in all, the city is one of the most deprived boroughs in the western EU (LCC 2006a). But in the mid-1990s there was an economic turnaround, and over the last 10 years Liverpool has been characterised by economic growth. This has given hope for population stabilisation, or even growth, as well as improved social conditions. Over the period 1995-2005, the Gross Value Added (GVA) increased by some 65%. The average GVA growth rate per year was 5.1%. Between 1998 and 2006 the total number of jobs increased by about 1.4% and the average annual growth in employment in the so-called knowledge economy was 2.1% (LCC 2008b). As a result, while there is still a negative migration balance, out-migration has decreased and inmigration has increased. Currently, particularly in the 25-29 age group, net migration is positive. Liverpool City Council is aiming for an end to long-term population shrinkage by 2010, with a key target of achieving a population of 500,000 by 2013 (LCC 2006a). Future projections for Liverpool (based on sub-national population projections), forecast a population increase to more than 470,000 by 2029 (LCC 2006b). However, this depends on whether the city can offer attractive jobs and living conditions. The quality of housing will become increasingly important for the future development of the city.