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

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The number of babies born in Ipswich fell to 1,449 in 2023, down from 1,516 the previous year, as fertility rates across England and Wales plummeted to historic lows.

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.

A pregnant woman
The number of babies born in Ipswich fell to 1,449 in 2023, down from 1,516 the previous yearSutthicha WeerawongGetty Images

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.

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Farage more trusted than Starmer in East of England, latest poll finds

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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is more trusted to represent the UK internationally than PM Keir Starmer among East of England voters, new polling reveals.

Why it matters: The findings highlight a significant decline in trust for the main party leaders in the region less than a year after the general election.

The poll, conducted by communications agency PLMR and Electoral Calculus, shows Farage ranked highest among named leaders at 19% in the East of England, ahead of Sir Keir Starmer (13%), Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch (6%) and Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey (5%).

Nigel Farage
Nigel FarageAlamy

The bigger picture: One in three voters (33%) in the region responded "none of the above" when asked which political figure they would trust most, suggesting a broader decline in overall trust in UK political leaders.

By the numbers: The same poll indicates Reform UK would become the largest party in the region if an election were held tomorrow:

  • Reform: 21 seats

  • Conservatives: 10 seats

  • Labour: 4 seats

  • Liberal Democrats: 2 seats

  • Greens: 1 seat

In contrast: Nationally, Farage and Starmer are tied at 16% among those who named a preference, highlighting a more polarised national picture, with the Reform UK leader building more trust with voters in the East of England specifically.

What they're saying: "This polling highlights a significant decline in trust for the two main party leaders among East of England voters when it comes to representing the UK on the international stage," said Tim Miller , Managing Director of PLMR Genesis , the East of England branch of PLMR.

Reform and Nigel Farage have seemingly been able to capitalise on this and it's now translating into voting intentions, with the Party set to overtake Labour and the Conservatives in the region with the largest number of seats – a seismic political shift.

Between the lines: The poll suggests Reform would make strong gains across the region, potentially taking seats from both major parties:

  • Suffolk: Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket from Labour

  • Essex: Braintree from the Conservatives and Thurrock from Labour

  • Cambridgeshire: North East from the Conservatives and North West from Labour

  • Norfolk: North West from the Conservatives and South West from Labour

Tim Miller on a backdrop of Ipswich from above and political party colour overlays
Tim Miller of PLMR GenesisOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The national outlook: The survey of 5,180 adults showed Reform securing 25% of the vote share nationally, compared to 23% each for Labour and the Conservatives. This would translate to 227 seats for Reform, 180 for Labour and 130 for the Conservatives.

The bottom line: "If Labour wants to keep Reform at bay, hold onto the gains they made in the East of England and remain in government in four year's time, the Party needs to focus on getting their message across more clearly to voters and instil confidence in their domestic agenda," Miller concluded.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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