Comment

Representation ID: 19490

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Guestling Parish Council

Rother highly regarded for climate, wildlife, beautiful countryside and seashore.
Population: These attributes make it a popular retirement area, increasing longevity increases average age.
Household Characteristics: Retirement effect reinforces small household sizes.
House Affordability: Pattern of retirement to area maintains high house price to income ratio. Forecast increase in older demographic may result in demand for, and shortage of, smaller homes. This in turn slows availability of larger homes as people remain in properties which are larger than they require. A relatively high owner-occupier and low social rented percentage is arguably an indication of a successful society.
Economy and Employment: High % of working population in service sector may be result of needs of predominantly retired population.
Socio-economic Issues: Disappointing to see IMD rank worsening - connected to relative decline in pensions + increasing numbers receiving benefit? Reassured by low level of crime and disorder.
Environmental Assets contribute to shaping district's demographic profile.