Families are being priced out of living in London - London Assembly meeting

On 14 October, CPC-CG member Dr Bernice Kuang gave evidence to the London Assembly, a 25-member elected body responsible for representing the interests of Londoners and holding the Mayor of London to account. Drawing on her work on the UK Generations and Gender Survey, Dr Kuang contributed to the Assembly’s Economy, Culture and Skills Committee investigation into the declining number of children in London.

The meeting brought together experts to provide insights into the long-term impact a reduction in young people will have on London’s schools, businesses and wider economy. The event also included expert insight from Susie Dye, Grants Manager at Trust for London, Katherine Hill, Strategic Programme Manager at 4in10, and Antonia Jennings, Chief Executive at Centre for London.

During the meeting, Dr Kuang was called upon to discuss reasons for the national decline in fertility rates, and the reasons behind them, including postponement, economic precarity, and housing constraints. She was asked to consider how the unique composition of London might vary from the national trend, and the impacts of domestic and international migration. Dr Kuang provided commentary on challenges relating to childcare, highlighting that childcare in London is significantly more expensive than elsewhere in the UK, and that government subsidies often fall short, especially for low-income families and migrants. In addition to contributing to the meeting, Dr Kuang submitted written evidence to the Committee in response to their call for evidence.

The full meeting is available to watch on The London Assembly YouTube channel (Dr Kuang speaks from 40:16).



Further reading

Families being priced out of London, Assembly told (BBC News)

Intending to remain childless: Are concerns about climate change and overpopulation the cause? (CPC-CG Policy Briefing 72)

Who uses childcare in the UK and how much does it cost? (CPC-CG Policy Briefing 73)

Long-term fertility trends by birth order in Britain: Comparison between England & Wales and Scotland (Population Studies)

Posted 23/10/2025 09:42