Short description:

Population Matters examines the scale and significance of current changes in the composition and distribution of the British population, with particular reference to the local dimensions of these developments.

This book contains a set of ten original studies which demonstrate the existence of marked geographical variations in population profiles. Using these cases,

A G Champion focuses on central government policy areas -- education,

labour recruitment, housebuilding needs, social services, and health care -- which would benefit from local decision-making and implementation

Considerable background on demographic developments and policy context is provided.

Long description:

The purpose of this book is to examine the scale and significance of the local dimensions of these developments and the implications for central government complementing the existing literature, which focuses almost entirely on the overall national picture. It contains a set of ten original studies which demonstrate the existence of marked geographical variations in population profiles and trends and highlight the main implications and responses. The focus is primarily on those policy areas where there needs to be a local-scale mechanism for decision-making and implementation, such as education, labour recruitment, housebuilding needs, social services and health care.

`This book will provide useful background reading for sixth form teachers, and individual chapters may be of specific interest to sixth formers.... suitable for undergraduates with demographic,

geographical or planning interests' - Geography

`Very readable, thought provoking and highly topical addition to the urban and regional planning literature. It has much to offer both the sixth former and introductory level undergraduate as well as the more seasoned researcher and practitioner' - Town Planning Review