Families being priced out of London, Assembly told

"London rightly prides itself on being a diverse city that should cut across all parameters, including age. "In terms of getting people to have children and then stay in London with them, affordable housing and affordable childcare are the absolute key.""

"A spokesperson for the mayor said London's population had "always fluctuated", and the mayor had been doing "all he can" to support families with the cost of living."

"She blamed a shift from social housing to private renting in inner London, adding that "private rented accommodation is not seen as the place to start a family"."

Births in London fell by 20% in 2023 compared with the 2012 peak, with the steepest decline concentrated in inner London. Families are being priced out of areas they previously could afford due to rising costs and limited social housing, reducing the feasibility of having and raising children in the capital. Campaigners urge a child-friendly approach with more affordable housing and childcare. Demographers link the decline to a shift from social housing to private renting, which is seen as unsuitable for starting families. The mayor's office cites national falling birth rates, Brexit, housing costs and the cost-of-living crisis as contributors and says the mayor has supported families and started new council homes.

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