Fewer babies are being born in Torbay

Decline causing issues for schools

The number of children being born in Torbay is falling.

There were 959 births in the bay in 2023, down from 995 in 2022 and 1,092 in 2021.

Figures are roughly in line with the national picture, which has seen birthrates falling gradually over a quarter of a century.

Campaigners who want more support for families in need say having a family has become a luxury, with the cost of living crisis and difficulties in getting affordable childcare.

The Torbay figures are in a report going before Torbay Council’s schools forum next week.

Decreases in babies being born has repercussions for schools, with fewer children coming into the education system. Across the country, question marks hang over the future of some rural primary schools, among them the one at Kingswear.

Second homes have been cited as a reason for falling numbers, but the declining birthrate is also a factor.

In Torquay, 592 babies were born in 2021, with 522 in 2022 and 517 last year. In Paignton the figure dropped from 411 to 387 and then to 363. Brixham saw 89 births in 2021, falling to 86 and then 79.

Across Torbay the average number of children for every 1,000 women aged between 15 and 44 dropped from 49 in 2021 to 43 last year