Agenda item
Brent Data - The multi-agency data hub with the latest from the census
Partners for Brent have developed a data exchange hub, for agencies across Brent which can be accessed online. The hub provides statistical data which is critical to the development of joint strategic objectives and delivery of associated partnership projects.
The Assistant Director of Policy will present on this and provide members with the most current information emerging from the census.
Minutes:
Cathy Tyson, Assistant Director of Policy, Strategy, Partnerships and Improvement gave a slide presentation to the Committee. She pointed out that Brent’s population had been significantly underestimated as the statistics relied heavily on birth and death rates with little weight being given to inward migration. She updated members that the position had now been rectified in the 2011 census and would be reflected in the figures to be released in future.
In reference to the borough’s demographics, Cathy Tyson informed members that the multiple factors of high birth rates, large family sizes and the aging pattern of the population would put pressure on service delivery including preventative health services, waste disposal, housing, school places and traffic. It was noted that although Brent was still an attractive residential location in London, unemployment which had peaked in the last 18 months was higher than the London and national average. Members were advised that the higher unemployment figures resulted from the fact that most of the borough’s employees worked in small companies and self-employed firms which had been squeezed out in the current economic climate through new technology and increased efficiency. Furthermore, it was noted that 30% of the borough’s residents received wage levels below the London Living Wage (LLW) level and that the borough was within the top five of boroughs which would be worst affected by the impact of universal credit.
In respect of housing demand, members were advised that currently there 110,300 households in Brent with at least one resident (2011 census) which was projected to grow by at least 6,000 by 2023. With about 25% of all accommodation in private rented sector, decline in social rented sector from 31% to 17%, higher rent increases at 2.9% per year and an average semi-detached house costing about £375,000, the Council had planned to deliver about 1,171 new affordable homes by 2014
The Assistant Director also informed members that a further challenge was that of education and the provision of school places. She drew attention to the slides that showed primary school and Greater London Authority (GLA) projections 2016/17 to highlight the challenge. She continued that the Council had successfully lobbied for funding to address the shortfall in school places in primary schools and had developed a programme to meet projected demand for school places. She emphasised that the real problem would arise when those children reached secondary school levels and when the council would need to identify sites for two secondary schools to meet projected demand.
On health issues, members learnt that the prevalence of obese children in the reception year and year 6 had taken on a rising trend since 2009/10. In addition, the figures for the following group of persons projected to 2030 were alarming: moderate or serious physical disability for people aged 18-64; the population of people aged 65 and over; those over 75 who were predicted to live alone; those predicted to have diabetes, dementia and long standing illness caused by heart attacks. The grim picture on health issues was likely to impact on adult social care in the borough.
RESOLVED:
that the progress report on Brent multi-agency data hub be noted.