The Local Authority of Warrington covers approximately 181 square kilometres [1] and has a 2020 mid-year population estimate of 209,937 [2].
It lies at the centre of the north west of England’s communications network, with the M6, M56 and M62 motorways all intersecting within the borough. Two significant waterways serve the main urban area, the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal. The role as a crossing point of both river and canal is an essential part of the town’s character. The presence of these motorways, rail routes and waterways means that the Service has to ensure local firefighters have the specialist skills and equipment to respond when there are incidents involving these risks.
Warrington has historically enjoyed high levels of employment, growth and prosperity driven principally by a strong manufacturing base and its key strategic location in the region. From the working age population, the greatest number (23,000) work within the Professional, Scientific & Technical Industry Category. Business Administration & Support Services (19,000) contains the next largest workforce [3].
The index of multiple deprivation 2019 ranked Warrington 175th out of 317 local authority areas, placing it overall in the lower half of deprived areas of England [4]. 18.9% of lower super output areas (LSOAs) were in the top 20% of the most deprived areas nationally, with 7.9% being in the top 10% highlighting pockets of deprivation[5]. Visually, areas of increased deprivation can be seen Warrington and surrounding areas [5].
Following national and regional trends, Warrington’s population continues to age with older people making up an increasing proportion of the population. Warrington’s over 65 population is projected to increase by approximately 19% from 2021 to 2030. This is in contrast to the 16-65 population which is projected to decrease by 1.2% over the same period [6].
[1] – Figure provided by David Robinson.
[2] – Population estimates – local authority based on single year of age [NOMIS 13 May 2022]. Date = 2020, Area(s) = Cheshire East, Cheshire West, Halton, Warrington.
[3] – Warrington Borough Council 2021 Borough profile – Warrington – Employment industry categories. Located at Warrington Borough Profile 2021
[4] – 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
[5] - Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government English Indices of Deprivation 2019 – Halton Local authority profile. Located at Warrington (mysociety.org)
[6] – 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 – 7.4
Deliberate Primary fires per 10,000 pop – 1.7
Deliberate Secondary fires per 10,000 pop – 7.7
Accidental Dwelling fires per 10,000 dwellings – 5.5
Fires in non-domestic properties per 1,000 non-domestic properties – 3.6
All Safe and Well visits completed – 2245
Warrington Unitary Performance Area Plan 2023-24
Last updated: Monday, 2 October 2023