Latest Inverclyde population figures revealed in new report

Data released by the National Records of Scotland estimates that there were 78,330 people living in the area as of June 30, 2023 - 20 fewer than the estimate for the same date in 2022, and 70 fewer than the 78,400 people living in Inverclyde on the date of the last Scottish census.

A report compiled by officials from Inverclyde Council says that while there were 1,174 deaths in 2022-23 compared to just 626 births, the same 12 months also saw more people move into the area than move out - resulting of a 'positive net migration' figure of more than 500 people.

The latest population figures were presented at a meeting of the council's policy and resources committee.

READ MORE: Latest Inverclyde population figures revealed as migration drives national rise

The same report reveals that 1,940 people moved into Inverclyde during the 12 months to June 30, 2023: 1,050 of them from elsewhere in Scotland, 280 from other locations within the UK, and 620 from international locations.

During that same period, 1,130 people left Inverclyde to go and live elsewhere in Scotland, while 200 moved to other parts of the UK and 100 left for overseas destinations.

Conversely the total outflow from Inverclyde was 1,130, moving to elsewhere in Scotland, 200 moving to the rest of the UK, 110 people moving overseas.

Councillor David Wilson (Conservative, Inverclyde East) said: "If we compare births and deaths, 500 of a difference, it is a steady drop and the difference is being made up by immigration from West Africa, South Sudan and Ukraine, mainly from the previous two.

"Do we have any knowledge of how many have jobs and are living in social rented housing?

Councillor David Wilson asked about the origins of those who had migrated to Inverclyde. (Image: contributed) "These are questions asked by my constituents."

Rhoda Braddick, the council's corporate policy, performance and communications manager, said she didn't have the information to answer Cllr Wilson's question. 

Depute council leader Natasha McGuire (Labour, Inverclyde South), who chaired the meeting, said: "Most of the inward migration, 1,050, came from elsewhere in Scotland and a great number of overseas migrants were international students who had to adhere to strict rules and visa rules to study here."

Councillor Wilson insisted that the figures he was given did not include international students, but did not say where those figures had come from.

Councillor Chris Curley (SNP, Inverclyde East) said: "As a son of an overseas migrant, I welcome the migration into Inverclyde to sustain the local population, as long as it is a sustainable migration.

"We should look at what we can do to make it sustainable, and that these migrants are able to contribute to the community as our grandparents and parents did."

READ MORE: Government's migration policy 'would boost Inverclyde population', says MSP

Councillor Robert Moran said the council has to provide homes if it wants to sustain growth.

He quoted figures in the report that the population had increased by 480 between mid 2022 and mid 2023.

Councillor Moran said: "Is this because they are building houses and infrastructure? I don't think we do enough here."

Councillor Tommy McVey (Independent, Inverclyde South) said that in his work as a taxi driver he had picked up some people who had come to live in Inverclyde from overseas.

He said: "In my experience, many of the people Cllr Wilson is referring to are living in accommodation provided by RSLs [registered social landlords] and the private sector.

"Many of them are working here in Inverclyde, especially in the care sector, which is helping to alleviate the staff shortages which have been all too prevalent in recent years.

"They are also spending their money in local shops and businesses, which can only be of benefit to the Inverclyde economy as a whole."