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The population of the UK is set to increase by 4.4 million to 65 million by 2016, according to new projections.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates 2.3 million of the rise would be a natural increase and 2.1 million down to migration. Further projections say the population would reach 71 million by 2031 and 77 million in 2051. Forecasts of fertility, life expectancy and inward migration have all increased since they were last made in 2004. Average age Estimates of the amount of migration inflow have been upped to a net 190,000 a year from 145,000 a year. Total population rises by 2016 are put at 8% for England, 7% for Northern Ireland and 5% for Wales. The figure is 3% for Scotland, where fertility and life expectancy are projected to remain lower than the rest of the UK. The average age of Britons is expected to rise from 39.6 years in 2006 to 40.6 years in 2016 and to 42.6 years by 2031. |
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