Forecasts show that the county of Cambridgeshire (excluding the unitary authority of Peterborough) is predicted to grow by 33% between now and 2031 . The East of England is projected to be the second fastest growing English Region in terms of population increase, with Cambridgeshire expanding at a higher rate than the region as a whole. The county's population increase is expected to exceed 200,000.

The population of the City of Peterborough was estimated to be 163,000 in 2006. Based on current growth targets, forecasts demonstrate that the population of Peterborough will grow by as much as 22.4% to over 203,000 people.(3)

Combining both predictions suggests that the county's population will exceed 1 million by 2031 or sooner.

This rapid population growth brings new challenges for policing in the county.

• (3)Go East, Regional Special Strategy 2008