ONS: England and Wales Fertility Rate Hits Record Low of 1.44, Live Births Lowest Since 1977

Oct 28, 2024, 12:16 PM

The fertility rate in England and Wales has fallen to a record low of 1.44 children per woman in 2023, according to data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is the lowest fertility rate since records began in 1938 and reflects a consistent decline since 2010. The number of live births in 2023 was 591,072, the lowest since 1977. Financial pressures, such as rising costs of childcare, housing, and essentials, are cited as contributing factors. The decline mirrors a global trend of falling fertility rates, which have dropped from around five children per woman in the 1960s to just 2.3 today. The decreasing birth rates raise concerns about potential economic implications and cultural shifts.