This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7390250.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Big increase in single households Big increase in single households
(about 2 hours later)
Almost half of Scottish households will have only one adult living in them within 25 years, new research has predicted.Almost half of Scottish households will have only one adult living in them within 25 years, new research has predicted.
Figures published by the registrar general said the number of single-adult households would rise from 809,000 to 1.2 million by 2031 - 44% of the total.Figures published by the registrar general said the number of single-adult households would rise from 809,000 to 1.2 million by 2031 - 44% of the total.
The study said the number of households in Scotland had increased dramatically over the past 15 years.The study said the number of households in Scotland had increased dramatically over the past 15 years.
It predicted the ageing population would cause the trend to continue.It predicted the ageing population would cause the trend to continue.
Registrar General, Duncan Macniven, said Scotland's population had increased by only 34,000 since 1991.Registrar General, Duncan Macniven, said Scotland's population had increased by only 34,000 since 1991.
We need to see more affordable homes built in Scotland, not just to buy but also to rent Archie StoddartShelter Scotland
But he added: "The number of households has increased at a far greater rate, by over 250,000, because the average household size is getting smaller, as more people live alone and in smaller households.But he added: "The number of households has increased at a far greater rate, by over 250,000, because the average household size is getting smaller, as more people live alone and in smaller households.
"This trend is predicted to continue. Over the next 25 years, the number of households is projected to increase by almost a fifth to 2.7 million - an average of 17,600 additional households per year.""This trend is predicted to continue. Over the next 25 years, the number of households is projected to increase by almost a fifth to 2.7 million - an average of 17,600 additional households per year."
Projected increases
The largest projected increases in the number of households between 2006 and 2031 are in Orkney, West Lothian and Edinburgh, which are all expected to rise by 35%.The largest projected increases in the number of households between 2006 and 2031 are in Orkney, West Lothian and Edinburgh, which are all expected to rise by 35%.
Perth and Kinross, Aberdeenshire and East Lothian also have projected increases over 30%, but Inverclyde has a projected decrease of 3% over the same period, and East Dunbartonshire has a projected decrease of 2%.Perth and Kinross, Aberdeenshire and East Lothian also have projected increases over 30%, but Inverclyde has a projected decrease of 3% over the same period, and East Dunbartonshire has a projected decrease of 2%.
Mr Macniven said that the average household size had fallen from 2.45 people in 1991 to 2.19 in 2006, and was projected to decrease further to 1.93 by 2031.Mr Macniven said that the average household size had fallen from 2.45 people in 1991 to 2.19 in 2006, and was projected to decrease further to 1.93 by 2031.
'Household structure'
"Scotland's population is ageing, with more people in the older age groups and fewer in the younger age groups," he added."Scotland's population is ageing, with more people in the older age groups and fewer in the younger age groups," he added.
"This has an impact on household structure, as children tend to live in larger households, and older people in smaller ones. Since 2001, the number of households containing just one adult has increased by 8%, and the number of two adult households increased by 7%."This has an impact on household structure, as children tend to live in larger households, and older people in smaller ones. Since 2001, the number of households containing just one adult has increased by 8%, and the number of two adult households increased by 7%.
"By 2031, one-adult households are projected to increase by almost one-half and two-adult households will increase by a quarter.""By 2031, one-adult households are projected to increase by almost one-half and two-adult households will increase by a quarter."
Archie Stoddart, director of Shelter Scotland, said the figures were further proof that more affordable housing was required.
Mr Stoddart added: "Scotland is a nation of homeowners and as more people decide to live alone the number of homes needed to house the population will have to increase.
"With an ageing population we need to ensure that there are enough homes for working age people so they can stay in this country and generate wealth for the nation.
"We need to see more affordable homes built in Scotland, not just to buy but also to rent."