Growth and development.pdf

1. Profile at 2002With over 327,600 people, North Lanarkshire has the fourth largest population of local authoritiesin Scotland. There is higher proportion of people under 35 than the national average.The overall population is falling and is forecast to reduce slightly in the next 14 years. Overallpredicted population changes are similar to the national average but the increase in the over 75population is expected to be above average.At 4.7% the unemployment rate is higher than the national average (January 2002).Rates of drug misuse are below average (1.6% of 15 to 54 year olds).The crime rate is below average (769 crimes recorded per 10,000 population in 2001) but hasincreased slightly since 2000.Services are provided by a social work department under a director who is also chief socialwork officer. There is a supporting network of area offices. The department has recently beenrestructured to promote strategic planning and operational capacity.4030Expected % change in population, 2000-2016,local and national comparisons by age bandPercent20100-10-20-30Under 5 5-14 15-29 30-44 45-59 60-74 75+AgeScotlandNorth Lanarkshire185