London's population grew by 14 per cent between 2011 and 2011, placing a strain on services, accordi [PA]

Research for the GMB showed that the population increased in every region of the country between 2001 and 2011, placing extra strain on utilities and services.

The study of 174 shire counties, London and metropolitan boroughs and unitary authorities in England and Wales, revealed population growth ranging from 3.2% in the North East to 14% in London.

The union called for investment in housing, schools and other social infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population, saying it could be the springboard to reflating the economy.

National officer Brian Strutton said: "These figures show that many areas need more schools, more housing, improved transport links, more health facilities, upgrades in utilities like water and more recreation facilities. There is a need for a step change in how we care for growing number of the elderly and in particular how can we help them stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

"National and local government and the private sector must use this growth in population as the springboard to reflate the economy by providing the social infrastructure this population needs.

"Leadership is needed to deliver such a programme as well as the £200 billion investment to deliver essential energy and infrastructure projects. It is a bigger challenge than delivering the Olympics."

The analysis showed that there were 41 areas of England and Wales where the population grew by 10% or more between 2001 and 2011, including Tower Hamlets in London (29.6%), Manchester (28.1%), Newham (26.3%), Hackney (21.4%), Westminster (21.%) - all London, Milton Keynes (20.2%) and Hounslow (19.6%).

In a handful of towns and cities, including Blackpool, Kensington and Chelsea, Blaenau Gwent, Stockport and St Helens, the population fell.

The analysis revealed that the population rose in all 10 regions in England and Wales between 2001 and 2011, led by London (14%), and followed by the East Midlands 8.7%, East of England 8.5%, South East 7.9 %, South West 7.3%, Yorkshire and The Humber 6.4% West Midlands 6.4%, Wales 5.5%, North West 4.8% and North East 3.2%.