More people are moving to London, which means added pressure on the city’s infrastructure and its exisiting services. explores the challenges faced

Greater London’s population is expanding rapidly. Back in 2005 it stood at 7.4 million. By the middle of 2015 this figure had rocketed to almost 8.7 million — and it’s on target to reach an estimated 10 million over the next two decades.

Such growth is extraordinary. In fact, the number living in the area went up a staggering 469,000 in just four years, according too official figures to the middlee of 2015. That equates to a remarkable rise of 5.7 per cent — more than twice the rate of the UK as a whole.

Unsurprisingly, Greater London is now three times larger than any otherr city area in the country. Thehe second biggest is the West Midlands with a comparatively modest 2.8 million people, followed by Greater Manchester (2.7 million) and West Yorkshire (2.2 million).

And while all city regions have seen population increases since 2011, Greater London has had — and is projected to enjoy — the most rapid rise, according to a report from the Office for National Statistics.

“Its comparatively young population age structure meanseas it has a higher birth rate andnd a lower death rate than otherer areas,” it states. “Its attraction as the UK capital, a major employmentent centre and international hub leads to much higher growth fromom international migration.”

Analysis reveals the population growth over the he past decade is due to increases in both UK-born residents — rising by an annual average of 26,700 — and those from overseas, which account for 83,500 people each year.

In fact, 37 per cent of London’s population was born outside of the UK, accordingcording to a study published by Londonondon First and PwC, entitled Facing cing Facts: The Impact Of Migrants ants On London, Its Workforcee And

Its Economy.

The countries in which most migrants to London were born are India (3.3 per cent of the total otal population of London), Poland oland (1.9 per cent),

PPakistan (1.5 per cent), NNigeria (1.3 per cent) and Ireland (1.2 per cent). Other countries include Bangladesh, France, Italy, Jamaica and Romania.

According to Jasmine Whitbread, chief executive of London First, it’s important to understand migration — particularly in this postBrexit world.

“Global migration is an important part of London’s ongoing success — many parts of our economy would struggle without it,” she said. Of course, population growth is not without its challenges. A sharp rise in the number of people living in a city will put pressure on a vast array of services, including healthcare, as well as the broader infrastructure, such as travel networks.

More people means more demand for the London Underground. An average of 26.7 million trips per day were made in London during 2015 — 0.2 per cent higher than the previous year and an 18 per cent increase on 2000, according to a report by Transport for London.

Thee report says: “By 2041, it is expectedexpec that this figure will have grown to 32.2 million trips per day — a trentrend that will require significant new iinfrastructure, but also new approachesappro to better manage travel demanddema and obtain the most from the existing transport networks.”

It’s a fact that’s been acknowledgedac by Sadiq Khan, theth Mayor of London, who hash outlined his intention for theth capital to have a genuinely world-classw transport system. T This, he insists, is vital for the future success of the city’s economy.

He has detailed plans for the next five years that include modernising some major UndergroundU stations, bringing forw forward plans to extend the

Bake Bakerloo Line, and investing record amo amounts in cycling and cleaning up LLondon’s air.

However,Howe London’s population growthgrowt already comes at a price. PerhapsPerha the most obvious is that there are a lot more people everywhereevery you go in the city. In fact, it is 18 times more densely populated than the UK average, according to Cloudbooking, the technology firm.

“While this small island has an average of 257 people per sq km, London has 4,726 and this explains why it’s at breaking point,” it states. “London is still one of the world’s great business cities, but few would deny that it can be a trying place to live and do business.”

One of the most significant factors in a growing population is the number of older people living in the area.

Currently, there are

2.2 million aged 50 or more in the capital, according to a report compiled by Age UK London.

The study points out more than 980,000 are aged over 65 and that is expected to grow to 1.2 million by

2024 — an increase of

22 per cent in 10 years. In addition, the 130,000 people aged over 85 in London is expected to hit 180,000 by 2024

— a rise of 38 per cent in a decade.

The organisation has stated there are three key areas for action when it comes to meeting the needs of older Londoners: digital inclusion; making housing age friendly; and ensuring that transport across the city is accessible to everyone.

While London is battling a housing crisis for people of all ages, Age UK points out that many older people are facing serious problems. These include living in homes that are of poor quality, physically inaccessible and difficult to heat.