Wandsworth’s annual birth rate rose slightly in 2009 to reach the highest level since records began.  The total number or babies born went up by 89 to reached 5,335 – the second highest for an inner London borough.  Newham came top with 6,003.

Wandsworth’s birth rate has increased by 27 percent over the last ten years.  The total number of births in 1999 was 4,177.

The figures, which are compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), also show a modest rise in London’s total birth rate.  The number of babies born across the capital went up from 127,651 to 129,245.   The total number of births across the whole of England and Wales went down slightly from 708,711, to 706,248.

Deputy council leader Maurice Heaster said:

“Central government uses population figures as a basis for allocating funding to local authorities so it is vital the information is the best available. The council includes the data in its own forecasts of future demand for key services such as education. It’s great that Wandsworth continues to prove such a popular choice for young families but we need to make sure that resources stay in step.”

Wandsworth’s total population is currently estimated at 286,600. Over 40 per cent are aged between 25 and 39 – the highest proportion in the country for this age group.

The figures are available on the ONS website at http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_population/summarytables.xls  

August 12, 2010