The soaring cost of living and childcare, gentrification, and a shortage of social housing have led to families being priced out of the capital, the London Assembly has been told.

The number of births in London in 2023 was 20% lower than the peak recorded in 2012. This decline has resulted in a sharp drop in the number of children attending the city’s primary schools, prompting closures that are expected to continue in the coming years.

High living costs, especially housing, force families to move away from central London. Despite 390,000 social homes, nearly 95,000 children live in temporary accommodations.

Katherine Hill, Strategic Programme Manager at child poverty campaign group 4in10, said: “To encourage people to have children and stay in London, affordable housing and childcare are essential. I’d also urge the mayor to work toward making London a child-friendly city. There are things London does well for children—free transport is a great example.”

In other housing related news, Guardian- London developers to be allowed to reduce percentage of affordable homes