The future Most of the population lives within the seven burghs of Arbroath, Brechin, Carnoustie, Forfar, Kirriemuir, Monifieth and Montrose. The more remote glens are very sparsely populated and the local economy, closely linked to agriculture and associated industries, has suffered a recent downturn. Angus has a higher than average percentage of households with pensioners and the number of people of 65 and over is projected to increase by a higher rate than the Scottish average in the next 16 years. The Council has increased provision for community care markedly since 1996 to meet the needs of a growing elderly population. The total population is projected to fall by 2016 and the number of under 5s is set to fall by more than the national average, see figure 1.
Poverty indicators are generally lower than average.
The local crime rate is 598 per 10,000 population, below the Scottish average. Misuse of drugs and alcohol has an impact on the range of services, notably in relation to childcare. Services are provided by a social work department under a director who carries the responsibilities of chief social work officer. The Social work HQ team is split between two sites. Most services are available in each of the main centres of population.