HC Deb 23 July 1975 vol 896 c238W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of elderly persons in Great Britain and in each English region (a) between pensionable age and 75 years and (6) 75 years or over was living alone in the latest year for which figures are available.

Dr. Owen

In the 1971 Census, 26.1 per cent. of persons of pensionable age who were in private households in Great Britain were usually resident in one-person households. For those aged under 75 and those 75 and over the proportions were 22.8 per cent. and 35 per cent. respectively. Corresponding figures for the regions of England are not available.

Figures are, however, available which relate to "enumerated population". These are based on the place of residence of people on census night as distinct from their normal residence. On this basis, the proportion of all persons of pensionable age in private households who were enumerated in one person households was as follows:

Per cent.
Great Britain 24.2
Standard Regions of England:
North 25.4
Yorkshire and Humberside 26.9
North West 25.8
East Midlands 24.2
West Midlands 23.3
East Anglia 23.0
South East 23.7
South West 21.5

No information is available on the corresponding proportions in the different age groups.