Ipswich birth rate hits new low as fewer babies born in 2023

Why it matters: The continuing decline in birth rates could have significant implications for Ipswich's future population demographics, affecting everything from school planning to healthcare services.

In fact, just yesterday Suffolk County Council announced they would be expanding two schools instead of building a new one, citing the falling birth rate as one reason.

The big picture: Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show the number of babies born in Ipswich fell to 1,449 in 2023, down from 1,516 the previous year. While down on the previous year, Ipswich's fertility rate (1.56) remains higher than both the Suffolk average (1.52) and the national average (1.44).

• Suffolk saw 6,615 births in 2023, down from 6,858 in 2022.
• Across England and Wales, births hit their lowest level since 1977, with 591,072 recorded.

Behind the numbers: Several factors are driving the decline, according to experts:

• Economic pressures from the cost-of-living crisis
• Housing affordability concerns
• People choosing to delay starting families
• Reduced NHS funding for fertility treatments like IVF

What they're saying: Dr Bassel Al Wattar, associate professor of reproductive medicine at Anglia Ruskin University, called the downward trend "worrying yet persistent."

Professor Melinda Mills from the University of Oxford points to broader societal shifts: "People are actively postponing or forgoing children due to issues related to difficulties in finding a partner, housing, economic uncertainty, remaining longer in education and particularly women entering and staying in the labour force."

By the numbers: Fertility rates (children per woman):

• Ipswich: 1.56 (down from 1.59)
• Suffolk: 1.52 (down from 1.58)
• England and Wales: 1.44 (historic low)

The bottom line: While Ipswich's fertility rate remains above both county and national averages, the steepest decline was among women aged 20-29, suggesting younger people are increasingly delaying parenthood.