Summary
The birthrate in England and Wales has dropped to a record low, raising concerns about future economic and political challenges for the UK. The reduction in births may lead to fewer working-age individuals in the future, affecting economic growth and increasing financial pressure due to an aging population.
Key Facts
- The birthrate in England and Wales fell to 1.41 children per woman in 2024.
- A birthrate of 2.1 is typically needed to keep a population steady without increasing or decreasing.
- The UK population is expected to decline, which may cause economic and political issues.
- Higher average ages for first-time parents have been noted, with new mothers at 31 and fathers at 33.9.
- Factors like rising housing and childcare costs and uncertain jobs influence decisions about having children.
- Lower birthrates can initially reduce pressure on healthcare and education but lead to slower economic growth in the long run.
- The number of pensioners compared to working-age people is growing, with 280 pensioners per 1,000 workers in 2020, projected to rise to 393 per 1,000 by 2070.
- The UK state pension system relies on current workers' contributions, adding pressure as the working-age population shrinks.
