Impact of ageing population probed

An inquiry into the economic and social impact of the ageing population has been launched by a Holyrood committee.

The Finance Committee is seeking views on how the planning and delivery of public services will be affected, as well as the impact on budgets.

Committee convener Kenneth Gibson MSP said: “Projections suggest that Scotland’s population will age more rapidly compared with the rest of the UK.”

He continued: “By 2035 our working-age population is set to increase by 7%, those of pensionable age will increase by 26%, while those 75 and over will increase by 82%.

“The inquiry will focus on the planning for, and impacts on public finance primarily relating to the provision of health and social care, housing and pensions, and the labour force.”

The committee is initially seeking written views on these issues.

The inquiry follows discussions held by the committee on fiscal sustainability where the ageing population was highlighted as a source of financial pressure on public budgets.

It will begin taking oral evidence from September, with a view to reporting on its findings in January 2013.