Growth and development.pdf

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR1. Profile at 2002Eilean Siar has a population of 27,200 scattered over a number of mainly small island communities.41% of households include pensioners, the highest proportion in Scotland, and numbers arepredicted to increase by 2016, though at a lower rate than the national average. The overallpopulation is expected to decline by 17.4%. Decreases are expected in all age groups under 60.At 5.2% (January 2002) the unemployment rate is higher than Scotland as a whole.The area has a very low level of drug misuse (0.5% of 15-54 year olds), but the incidence ofalcohol misuse is high.The recorded crime rate has gone up slightly, but at 237 per 10,000 population was the secondlowest of all local authorities in 2001.The Council is in the process of reviewing its committee and management arrangements forsocial work services. This review was prompted by the formation of the NHS Western Isles andComhairle Joint Committee for Community Care.At spring 2002 all social services were provided by a social work department under a director,supported by 2 senior managers. The director carries out the responsibilities of chief socialwork officer.Expected % change in population, 2000-2016,local and national comparisons by age bandPercent3020100-10-20-30-40-50Under 5 5-14 15-29 30-44 45-59 60-74 75+AgeScotlandEilean Siar103