The borough where families are slowly disappearing
Islington seems, on the surface, a family-friendly area. Parents push buggies through quiet leafy side streets of this popular neighbourhood that is also within easy
Islington seems, on the surface, a family-friendly area. Parents push buggies through quiet leafy side streets of this popular neighbourhood that is also within easy reach of central London. But this north London borough has one of the lowest fertility rates in the country and mothers are older on average here than in most other parts of the capital.
Islington is a snapshot of a trend also playing out not only in inner London but also other parts of the world. The situation has been described by the London Assembly as an "existential challenge" for the city as a whole, so what are the reasons behind this and what can be done about it?
Keen to find out more about family life in Islington, I joined a Zip-Zap baby music class to speak to parents. Tiphanie Frutuoso and her husband had their first baby this year. "My husband and I have a one-bedroom flat – a two-bedroom is super expensive. "Childcare is £2,000-£3,000 a month." They are moving back to Luxembourg, partly because childcare is free.
"It's really sad because we love London. We have better job opportunities here," Frutuoso added.
The BriefWire