Growth and development.pdf

1. Profile at 2002With an estimated population of 211,300 Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland. By 2016,the population is expected to fall by 11%. The older population is to rise but by less than thenational average. The number of pre-school children is to fall by over a quarter. The number of45 to 60 year olds will rise by over a quarter.Whilst unemployment in the area is low (2% at January 2002), there are a number of areaswithin Aberdeen City where there are particular issues regarding poverty and deprivation.Aberdeen has the third highest rate of drug misuse in Scotland (3% of 15-54 year olds).1,329 crimes were recorded per 10,000 population in 2001. Although the rate has fallen since2000, it is the second highest recorded rate in Scotland.The Council is implementing a major programme of change, under the banner heading ofaberdeenfutures, which includes the Community Plan, the introduction of the Accord Card, theintroduction of one stop customer service centres, work which is about to commence with astrategic partner to look at improvements to systems and processes within the Council and aninternal service restructuring. To date, the major impact on social work services has beenthrough the Departmental restructuring.Strategic social work services have joined with strategic housing services to become CommunityServices. Operational Social Work services are now managed through three Neighbourhooddirectorates, with services currently being managed on an interim basis by their existingmanagers. In the longer term, it is proposed that services will be delivered on a multi-disciplinaryteam basis.Expected % change in population, 2000-2016,local and national comparisons by age bandPercent3020100-10-20-30-40-50-60Under 5 5-14 15-29 30-44 45-59 60-74 75+AgeScotlandAberdeen City7