Population figures prompt calls for more funding

Councillors have renewed calls for more government funding after census data released in September confirmed Midlothian continues to be the fastest growing population in Scotland.

Population data should be taken into account

At the full Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors agreed to write to the UK and Scottish governments and the umbrella organisation for local authorities, Cosla asking for the 2022 population data to be taken into account when allocating Midlothian’s share of funding.

Fastest growing in Scotland

The new data published by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) shows that, between 2011 and 2022, the population of the county grew by 16.1%, the fastest in the country and 13.4% higher than the Scottish average of 2.7%.

New households

Midlothian also saw the highest percentage increase of households at 17.2%.

Growing number of older and younger people

Councillors heard 18.9% of the overall Midlothian population are over 65 while 17.7% are 14 and under.

Exceeding predictions

Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry said: “The population growth is even faster than we predicted.

Council Tax doesn't cover cost of services

“Council Tax provides around 23% of the council’s income and while more people moving to Midlothian means more Council Tax, the extra money doesn’t cover the cost of providing services to these new households – such as for schools, bin collections or social care.

Increased demands

“Meanwhile, the amount of grant settlement that the council gets to pay for core services has been reduced and is likely to be reduced further in future years. And, as the census confirms, this is all happening at the same time as demand for local services is increasing, because of the fast-growing and ageing population.

On behalf of communities

“While we realise all budgets are tight, we feel we must continue to work on behalf of our residents by pressing our case for more funding for Midlothian.”

Further report to Council

Councillors noted the ongoing analysis of this census data. A further report will be presented to the Community Planning Partnership Board, comprising the council and partner agencies such as the Police, and the full Council including further updates following the publication of additional census data in Spring 2024.

More information

For more on the census: Scotland's Census 2022 - Rounded population estimates.