Halton is a largely urban area, covering approximately 90 sq km [1] with a 2020 mid-year population estimate of 129,759 people [2]. The area has two large towns, Runcorn and Widnes, on either side of the River Mersey, 10 miles upstream from Liverpool. The Runcorn Widnes Bridge links the two towns which share a common heritage. Widnes is regarded as the birthplace of the chemical industry and its development spread to Runcorn in the 19th century.
At the end of the 1960s Runcorn was designated as a new town with new road networks and shopping centres built to serve the influx of residents from the centre of Liverpool, many of whom were housed in new social housing. Fewer jobs were available than expected and globalisation saw a rapid contraction of the chemical industry resulting in a massive rise in unemployment. The recent economic crisis has further added to the borough’s pressures as unemployment grows.
Halton has inherited a number of physical, environmental and social problems as a result of its past. The index of multiple deprivation 2019 ranked Halton 39th out of 317 local authority areas, indicating higher levels of deprivations compared to other areas of England [3]. 49.3% of lower super output areas (LSOAs) were in the top 20% of the most deprived areas nationally, with 31.6% being in the top 10% highlighting large areas of high deprivation[4]. Visually, areas of increased deprivation can be seen across Widnes and Runcorn [4].
Following national and regional trends, Halton’s population continues to age with older people making up an increasing proportion of the population. Halton’s over 65 population is projected to increase by approximately 20% from 2021 to 2030. This is in contrast to the 16-65 population which is projected to increase by 0.8% over the same period [5].
[1] – Figure provided by David Robinson
[2] – Population estimates – local authority based on single year of age [NOMIS 13th May 2022]. Date = 2020, Area(s) = Cheshire East, Cheshire West, Halton, Warrington.
[3] – Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government English Indices of Deprivation 2019 – Summaries at Local Authority Level [File 10: local authority district summaries]. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/833995/File_10_-_IoD2019_Local_Authority_District_Summaries__lower-tier__.xlsx
[4] - Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government English Indices of Deprivation 2019 – Halton Local authority profile. Located at Halton (mysociety.org)
[5] – Population projections – local authority based on single year of age [NOMIS 13th May 2022]. Area type = local authorities: county/unitary (as of April 2019), Area(s) = Cheshire East, Cheshire West, Halton, Warrington.
Primary fires per 10,000 pop – 10.8
Deliberate Primary fires per 10,000 pop – 4.1
Deliberate Secondary fires per 10,000 pop – 14.2
Accidental Dwelling fires per 10,000 dwellings – 5.9
Fires in non-domestic Properties per 1,000 non-domestic properties – 10.3
Safe and Well visits completed – 1759
Halton Unitary Performance Area Plan 2023-24
Last updated: Monday, 2 October 2023