On leafy streets lined with family-friendly cafes and schools, the numbers paint a stark picture: Islington's fertility rate has plummeted to one of the lowest in the country. With an average woman starting a family later than anywhere else in London, experts warn that this trend is not just a local issue but a warning sign for the capital's economic future.
The financial strain of childcare costs – some parents report paying £2,000-£3,000 per month for one child alone – is forcing families to make difficult decisions. Many are opting to leave or delay having children altogether, with some relocating outside London or even abroad in search of more family-friendly environments and support systems.
This isn't just an Islington problem; London's population of 0-9-year-olds has plummeted by 99,100 between 2013 and 2023, despite the capital's overall population growing by over half a million. Experts at the London Assembly's Economy, Culture and Skills Committee label this an 'existential challenge' for the city.
Islington's fertility rate of 0.99 children per woman is second only to the City of London in London, and among the lowest in England. The national average for England and Wales was estimated at just under 1.4 children per woman in 2025 – down from 1.9 in 2010.
The committee has urged action to address this crisis, including pursuing UNICEF Child Friendly City status and implementing child-friendly housing standards. These measures aim to make London a more viable place for families and urge both local and national government to prioritise policies supporting children and families across the capital.