Slough has one of the highest fertility rates in the country, while other areas across Berkshire fall well below the average. 

The total fertility rate across England and Wales dropped to a new record low last year, while the number of live births fell to the lowest in nearly five decades.

While fertility rates across the two nations have been in overall decline since 2010, the rate in 2023 fell to 1.44 children per woman.

The Office for National Statistics said is the lowest value since records began in 1938.

Slough has bucked the national trend by having the third highest fertility rate, with 1.93 children per woman. 

In Berkshire, Reading has the lowest rate, with 1.34 children per women.

This places it 271st out of 318 local authority areas. 

Total fertility rate in England & Wales. PA GraphicsTotal fertility rate in England & Wales. PA Graphics (Image: PA Wire)

Next lowest is Windsor and Maidenhead with a rate of 1.43, at 230th across England and Wales. 

Bracknell Forest is at 212th with a rate of 1.45, while Wokingham sees 1.49 children per woman, placing it at 141st out of recorded authorities. 

West Berkshire is ranked 141st with a fertility rate of 1.52. 

Across England and Wales, Luton in Bedfordshire had the highest fertility rate in 2023 among local authorities in England (2.01), followed by Barking & Dagenham in London (2.00). 

The City of London had the lowest rate (0.55), followed by Cambridge (0.91), Brighton & Hove in East Sussex (0.98) and Westminster in London (1.00).

Some experts have suggested influencing factors could include economic uncertainty with the cost-of-living crisis, and difficulties finding a partner – as well as more people deciding not to have children.

Greg Ceely, head of population health monitoring at the ONS, said: “The annual number of births in England and Wales continues its recent decline, with 2023 recording the lowest number of live births seen since 1977.

“Total fertility rates declined in 2023, a trend we have seen since 2010. Looking in more detail at fertility rates among women of different ages, the decline in fertility rates has been the most dramatic in the 20-24 and 25-29 age groups.”

Prof Bassel H Al Wattar, associate professor of reproductive medicine at Anglia Ruskin University, described the downward trend in fertility and birth rates as “worrying yet persistent."

Prof Wattar said the changes might be explained by the cost-of-living crisis, as well as a reduction in available NHS funding for fertility treatments such as IVF.

The fertility rate is defined as the average number of live children a group of women would have if they experienced the age-specific fertility rates throughout their childbearing life.