Growth and development.pdf

1. Profile at 2002One of the smaller Scottish local authorities, Stirling has a population of 85,200 people.An overall population rise of 11.9% is expected over the next 14 years. The biggest increase isexpected in the over-60 age group, which is projected to rise more quickly than the nationalaverage. In contrast to national projections, the under 5’s in Stirling will increase.The unemployment rate is below average (3.5% in January 2002).Stirling has a below average rate of drugs misuse at 1.4% of 15-54 year olds.The recorded crime rate is below average but has risen slightly from 2000 (607 per 10,000population in 2001).The Council has consolidated the restructuring undertaken in spring 2000. The CommunityServices Department embraces adult care and criminal justice services and the Children’sServices Department embraces childcare.The alignment and integration of services in these new configurations has required a redesign ofservices, and a review of the role and functions of social work. The placing of social work staffin integrated learning disability teams, and in community schools are examples of integrationat the frontline.Senior management responsibility lies with the heads of the Community and Children’s Services.Professional leadership for social work rests with the Chief Social Work Officer, while scrutiny ofsocial work functions lies with the Council’s performance management and reporting framework.3020Expected % change in population, 2000-2016,local and national comparisons by age bandPercent100-10-20-30Under 5 5-14 15-29 30-44 45-59 60-74 75+AgeScotlandStirling251