The policy sparked a seismic demographic shift, with more graduates from a variety of backgrounds, and transferred university funding from state to student, with huge financial ramifications. But one area less talked about is its impact on the country’s the fertility rate.
The maternity wards of England and Wales are quieter than they have ever been.
In 2024, the fertility rate fell to just 1.41 children per woman – the lowest figure since records began in 1938, and the third consecutive year of new lows, according to the Office for National Statistics.
It’s a line of usual suspects that are pointed to as key drivers of the trend: changing attitudes, soaring house prices, costly childcare and general economic insecurity. These are real pressures that make it more difficult for young people to start families.
But some experts suggest that more young people choosing to go into higher education is also a key factor.
Paul Morland, a demographer and author, says: “If we fixed housing tomorrow – if we went back to the affordable three-bedroom semi – I think the fertility rate wouldn’t budge much.
“The deeper driver is education.”
Now, almost three decades since Blair’s speech, the economic consequences of a sustained baby bust and ageing population are raising concerns....<<<Read More>>>...
