THE population of Oxfordshire could almost double over the next 40 years.

By 2052 the number of people in the county is expected to reach more than a million, compared to the 666,000 living here last year.

And nearly a fifth of the population are likely to be aged over 70, estimations have revealed.

In a report released by Oxfordshire County Council, experts predict that we could top the million mark by 2037 and reach 1,150,000 by 2052.

The county has already seen its population increase by nearly 10 per cent since 2001, causing a strain on the county’s roads, over-subscribed state schools and social services.

Witney Gazette:

Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council

Leader of the council Ian Hudspeth said: “Oxfordshire is a fantastic place to work and live therefore people who grow up in Oxfordshire want to stay, which is a positive.

“We also have people coming in to choose to work in the county, which is also a positive.”

But some have warned that the services won’t be able to cope with the rise in population.

Mr Hudspeth said: “It is a concern. At the moment 50 per cent of our council budget is spent on two per cent of the population. By 2020 that could be 75 per cent.

“That may mean we need more funding or alternatively we will have to reduce funding streams (to other services) because we have to provide certain services.”

The city is one of the areas most likely to see an increase in population.

By 2052 it’s predicted that 241,000 people will live in Oxford, compared to 155,000 last year.

West Oxfordshire will see the biggest rise with an 88- per-cent hike to 200,000 people, while South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse are expected to grow by 69 per cent and 89 per cent respectively.

Social research officer Mark Fransham said: “It’s extremely likely that population growth in Oxford has contributed to the increase in house prices that we’ve seen over recent years.

Witney Gazette:

Mark Fransham

“We have also seen a change in trends, with some families choosing to cohabit with other families in Oxford.

“We have seen cases of one family living in one room and another family living next door in the same house or flat.”

Mr Hudspeth said: “Bicester will soon have a highspeed train directly servicing Oxford, which could mean more people commuting to Oxford from outlying areas.

“What we need is for the city and district councils to cooperate with one another to produce adequate housing for the region.”

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