London risks becoming a ‘childless city’ as families flee record costs

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by BloombergMarch 6, 2026 at 05:31 AM

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A London Assembly report reveals a significant decline in London's child population, with nearly 100,000 fewer residents under ten years old in the decade leading up to 2023. This trend, occurring despite overall population growth, is attributed to unaffordable housing and childcare costs driving families out of the city. Consequently, falling pupil numbers have led to the closure of 100 schools since 2018, primarily in inner London. The report warns that if this trend continues, London risks becoming a "childless city." Commissioned to examine the causes and consequences for schools and public services, the study also notes a 20% drop in birth rates since 2012, now 10% below the national average in inner London.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Hina Bokhari 50% London Assembly’s Economy, Culture and Skills Committee 60% United Kingdom ×260% London Assembly ×270% London ×795%

Keywords

london 100% child population decline 90% unaffordable housing 80% childcare costs 80% fertility rates 70% school closures 70% birth rates 60% inner london 60% public services 50%

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Very Negative

Score: -0.60

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South China Morning Post

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90%

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London

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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london child population decline unaffordable housing childcare costs fertility rates school closures birth rates inner london public services

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