The latest data has revealed an intriguing trend in certain areas of Wales – more people are dying than being born. Last year saw a shift in the balance, with deaths outnumbering births in the UK for the first time in almost 50 years, excluding the impact of the Covid pandemic. While this phenomenon was not uniform across the entire UK, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland all experienced more deaths than births in 2023, unlike England.
In England, the natural population growth was primarily driven by London, where there were significantly more births than deaths. However, in all other regions of England, deaths surpassed births. In Wales, the disparity was particularly pronounced, with 8,692 more deaths than births recorded. Only two areas bucked the trend in Wales, with Cardiff and Newport showing more births than deaths. Carmarthenshire stood out with 849 more deaths than births in the county.
The Office for National Statistics reported a concerning decline in the number of births in England and Wales in 2023, with over 14,000 fewer births compared to the previous year. This marked the lowest number of live births since 1977, with the fertility rate dropping to 1.44, its lowest in records dating back to 1938. In contrast, the number of deaths increased by more than 4,000, reaching 581,363. Dr. Gillian Lockwood, a consultant at Fertility Family, attributed these trends to a combination of demographic and economic factors.
Young people’s decisions to stay in education longer, challenges in securing stable employment, and the high cost of living have all contributed to delays in starting families. The financial burden associated with raising children, including steep childcare costs, further deters many from parenthood. Lockwood highlighted how the changing landscape of work and housing has led to a postponement of childbearing for many individuals, impacting fertility rates across the country.
The intricate relationship between economic circumstances, societal norms, and personal choices underscores the complex nature of population dynamics in Wales and the wider UK. As birth rates decline and life expectancy continues to rise, policymakers and healthcare professionals face the challenge of ensuring sustainable population growth and supporting individuals in navigating the changing landscape of family planning. It is evident that a multifaceted approach, encompassing social, economic, and healthcare factors, is essential in addressing the demographic shifts observed in Wales and beyond.
The unfolding demographic trends in Wales provide valuable insights into the evolving societal dynamics and individual preferences shaping the population landscape. By understanding the underlying factors influencing birth rates, policymakers and healthcare practitioners can develop targeted strategies to support families and address the challenges associated with declining fertility rates. The interplay of education, employment, housing, and financial stability highlights the need for holistic interventions that promote family-friendly policies and empower individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive futures. As Wales grapples with the implications of these demographic shifts, a concerted effort to address the root causes of declining birth rates is essential to ensure a sustainable and thriving population in the years to come.