A* essay answer for the exam question "Examine the social, economic and environmental impacts of UK retirement migration to Spain on both the source and host nations". This essay briefly considers the background reasons for the trend of retirement migration before focusing on the costs and benefits...
Examine the social, economic and environmental impacts of UK retirement migration to Spain on both the
source and host nations (15 marks)
In recent years, UK retirement migration flows have been greatly increasing to warmer European countries,
most notably France and Spain—where 750,000 British emigrants live permanently. A number of push and
pull factors influence these high numbers including the attraction to a warmer climate—which, for 90% of
those surveyed was the most important factor and consequently is the reason that the term 'sun seeker' is
used to describe such migrants. In addition, the perceived image of a slower pace of life with a less
threatening youth culture and lower crime rates, lower cost of living and leisure facilities and all key factors
in the decision to retire abroad. However, these high levels of migration have resulted in many significant
environmental, economic and social impacts to both source and host countries.
Spain has benefitted in many ways through the influx of British migrants, especially economically. The
growing demand for services associated with moving abroad such as the purchasing of homes, the
furnishing of homes and transport of pets, have resulted in growth of international retirement industry. This
has resulted in targeted marketing offering packages and assistance for retirees seeking to live abroad.
Moreover, further economic growth has come from housing development as 7,167 million euros were made
in 2003 through the sale of 135,000 coastal properties to foreigners—50% of whom were British. This has
not only resulted in direct economic growth but has also resulted in the development of tens of thousands
of jobs in construction industries.
On the other hand, there have also been negative impacts on the host country such as house prices rising
significantly and therefore becoming too expensive for locals. Moreover, socially problems have been
created through the growth of self-contained immigrant populations as there is little or no social
integration. This has created resentment among locals, particularly with the involvement of British people in
politics, in addition to creating the potential for xenophobia. Pressure to meet housing demands has led top
many greenfield sites being lost and damage being caused to conservation areas such as salt marshes and
sand dunes. Water resources have also been under pressure because of increasing leisure use for swimming
pools and golf courses, causing environmental problems and resulting in water shortages.
The impacts of the source country are also varied, there being many negative social impacts contrasting
with key economic benefits. Firstly, emigration away from the UK has put strains on family relationships and
often resulted in family break ups as grandchildren move away and are seen less than expected on moving
abroad. Furthermore, there has been a loss of potential childminders who often play an important role in
the social structure despite being retired and largely economically inactive. Economically, while there are
benefits such as relieving the pressure that health systems are under, the 'grey pound' is lost as it is spend
overseas. Beneficially, the levels of emigration help to balance out net migration and also are an advantage
environmentally as they reduce housing demands therefore relieving pressure to build on greenfield sites.
Overall, there are many varied impacts on both the source and host country, both positive and negative.
The impacts on the Spanish economy is very beneficial as the creation of jobs and growth of industry in
addition to local spending results in the positive multiplier effect. While the UK benefits from reduced
pressure on services such as healthcare, Spain has faced the disadvantages of increased pressure on key
resources like water.
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