Could London become a ‘child-free area’?

A notable drop in birth and fertility rates in London over the last decade, particularly in inner London, has led to concerns that London – and particularly Inner London - could become a ‘child-free area’.¹

Whilst some of these trends are mirrored in other parts of the country, the fall in the number of young children living in London is much greater than the rest of the country.

The Economy, Culture and Skills Committee will tomorrow begin its investigation into current and projected trends relating to birth rates and the number of children in London, and the causes for lower numbers of children in the capital.

The Committee will also seek to find out the long-term impact a reduction in young people will have on London’s schools, businesses and wider economy.

The guests are:

• Susie Dye, Grants Manager, Trust for London
• Katherine Hill, Strategic Programme Manager, 4in10
• Antonia Jennings, Chief Executive, Centre for London
• Dr Bernice Kuang, Research Fellow in Demography, University of Southampton

The meeting will take place on Tuesday 14 October 2025 from 11.15am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

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1. Centre for London, Is inner London becoming a ‘child-free area’?, 7 November 2022
2. Full agenda papers.
3. Hina Bokhari OBE AM, Chair of the Economy, Culture and Skills Committee, is available for interview. 
4. Find out more about the work of the Economy, Culture and Skills Committee.
5. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.