
- Deadline for contributions: 21 March 2025
- All contributions must follow our guidance
- Publication is expected in May 2025
In October 2024, the Office for National Statistics noted that the birthrate in England and Wales had fallen to the lowest levels on record.
Stakeholders have raised concerns around the risks of a declining birthrate to the economy, and areas like the provision of services caused by a smaller workforce, particularly in the context of an aging population. Other stakeholders have pointed to the potential positive effect of a declining birthrate on the environment.
This POSTnote aims to summarise research evidence and stakeholder perspectives around the declining birthrate, and its potential impacts. The POSTnote is likely to focus on the impacts of a declining birthrate, together with an ageing population, on specific areas of the workforce, provision of services (such as education), and wider social and economic impacts. The POSTnote may also consider available evidence about the impacts of birthrate decline from international contexts.
We welcome information on issues relevant to the project. To contribute to this research, please follow our guidance for contributors.