Brentwood's population is shrinking - it's official! Councillors refused to initially believe census figures when they were reported in October and demanded officers checked the statistics.
The figures sparked controversy as they showed the population of the town had fallen by more than three per cent.
But, now council officers have checked the census data against the electoral roll and believe it is accurate.
The number of people registered on the borough's electoral roll has seen an almost identical fall over the past ten years and officers have said this suggests the census is correct.
Brentwood Council's Chief Executive Bob McLintock has warned that the surprise figures could leave the town in a difficult position when the Government assesses its spending needs.
The Government uses census data when it is calculating the borough's Standard Spending Assessment and grant levels.
Published Friday November 15, 2002
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