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Rise in births in England and Wales helped by ‘notable’ jump in older fathers

ENGLAND AND WALES, JUL 1 – Births to fathers aged 60 and over rose 14.2% in 2024 amid a slight overall increase in births after years of decline, driven by social and economic factors, ONS data shows.

  • In 2024, the total number of babies born across England and Wales increased slightly to 594,677, marking the first rise in births since 2021.
  • This rise reverses a recent decline caused partly by fewer births to mothers under 30, as people delay starting families due to financial concerns.
  • Birth rates increased notably in West Midlands by 3.4% and London by 1.8%, while five regions including the North East saw declines, with births there dropping 1.4%.
  • The rise was helped by a 14.2% increase in births to fathers aged 60 and over, totaling 1,076 babies, which the ONS called a "notable increase".
  • Despite the rise, birth totals remain historically low, and the increase in births to non-UK-born parents, especially from India, continues to shape demographics.
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The Independent broke the news in London, United Kingdom on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
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