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Islington faces low fertility as families struggle to afford space
Between 2013 and 2023, London’s 0 to 9-year-old population fell by 99,100 even as the capital’s overall population rose by 506,000, according to figures cited in the report.
BBC Business examines Islington, a north London borough that is often seen as family-friendly, but that has one of the lowest fertility rates in the country and an older average age among mothers.
Reporting with insights from parents, the outlet links the trend to the difficulty of finding suitable, space-rich homes within budget in Islington, with at least some families relocating to other boroughs for better schools, more affordable housing, and more room.
BBC Business also describes the housing impact on residents, including a father of two who says his family’s one-bedroom flat forces their living room to double as sleeping space, and his one bed to serve as the kids’ room.
The story cites data showing London’s population of children aged 0 to 9 declined by 99,100 between 2013 and 2023, despite overall population growth of 506,000, and notes a committee chair warning the trend poses an existential challenge for London’s workforce, urging government and the mayor to redouble efforts.