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Which group has quietly offset much of the cost of an ageing population?

  • Higher immigration 110 votes (30.1%)
  • Longer working lives 105 votes (28.8%)
  • Fewer children 123 votes (33.7%)
  • Higher taxes 27 votes (7.4%)

Total votes: 365

Answer explanation:

Answer: Fewer children.

Nick’s argument is that demographic forecasts often count the rising number of pensioners while overlooking the falling number of children. Because children also require significant spending on education, childcare and other services, lower birth rates reduce costs elsewhere. The burden is shifting, not simply growing.