Families are increasingly unable to afford living in London due to escalating expenses and a shortfall in social housing, as shared during a recent session of the London Assembly.

Birth rates in the capital in 2023 were reported to be 20% lower than their peak in 2012, with the most significant decline observed in inner London, according to the Assembly’s Economy, Culture and Skills Committee.

The committee consulted with specialists regarding this phenomenon, with child poverty advocate Katherine Hill urging the mayor of London to work toward making the city more friendly toward families.

A representative for the mayor noted that the population of London has “always varied,” adding that the mayor is making efforts to assist families amidst the rising cost of living.

The mayor’s office attributed the decline in primary school enrollment in inner London to several factors, including “national declines in birth rates, the effects of Brexit, housing expenses, and the cost-of-living crisis.”

Katherine Hill, who serves as the strategic programme manager for the child poverty advocacy organization 4in10, addressed the committee on Tuesday, stating, “London takes pride in its diversity – this should encompass every aspect, including age groups.

To encourage families to have children and remain in London, access to affordable housing and childcare is absolutely essential.”

She added that families are being pushed out of neighborhoods where they once resided, largely due to the shortage of social housing.

Dr. Bernice Kuang, a demography research fellow at the University of Southampton, asserted that London residents still aspire to have an average of two children, but this goal is increasingly out of reach for many.

She pointed to a transition from social housing to private renting in inner London, emphasizing that “private rental options are often regarded as unsuitable for starting a family.”

The mayor’s office claimed that Sir Sadiq Khan has “initiated more new council homes for Londoners than at any point since the 1970s” and has also provided funding for free school meals for all children in state primary schools.

Experts indicated that the rising cost of childcare is another contributing factor to the decrease in family numbers in London.

Data from Coram Family and Childcare revealed that parents of three to four-year-olds in inner London spend an average of £184.96 for 50 hours of childcare, despite the government’s 30-hour free offer, while the overall London average is £126.94.

Ms. Dye pointed out that the availability of childcare often poses a larger challenge than its affordability, mentioning “childcare deserts in certain areas of the city.”

The panel also raised alarms about the insufficient public green spaces available for children to play in throughout the capital.

The decline in the number of children being born in London has led to numerous primary school closures.

In February, a report from London Councils projected that the number of reception pupils in the city would decrease by 3.6% over the next four years, equating to a loss of 3,195 pupils or 117 classes.

Ms. Hill expressed that this shift would impact “the overall atmosphere of our city,” stating that schools function as “the heart of our communities.”

“If we lose them, we’re losing much more than mere statistics,” she cautioned.

Nonetheless, she recognized that “London is an excellent city for children,” highlighting the benefits of free transportation and museums accessible to kids.

However, she stressed, “They need a stable home to enjoy those opportunities.”