Fewer births in Northumberland – amid historic low across England and Wales

New data from the ONS shows a continuing trend of fewer people giving birth – with England and Wales seeing the lowest number registered of any year since at least 2002.

The figures show there were 2,464 live births in Northumberland in 2022 – a fall from 2,586 the year before.

Over the past decade, 2015 saw the highest number of births in the area, with 2,832. At the other end of the scale, 2020 was the year with the fewest – with 2,419 babies born.

James Tucker, the ONS’ head of health analysis, said: "The annual number of births in England and Wales continues its recent decline, with 2022 recording the lowest number of live births seen for two decades."

The ONS' analysis shows births hit a recent peak in 2012, with the number declining since. The coronavirus pandemic does not appear to have altered birth rates significantly in either direction.