The borough where families are slowly disappearing

In Islington, a borough long celebrated for its vibrant urban lifestyle and proximity to London’s cultural and economic heart, families are quietly vanishing. The area, known for its tree-lined streets and bustling markets, is witnessing a troubling demographic shift: fewer births, older parents, and a growing exodus of households seeking more affordable options elsewhere. This trend has raised alarms among local officials, who warn that the changes could pose an “existential challenge” for London itself. Over the past decade, Islington has become emblematic of a broader phenomenon affecting not just London but cities worldwide. Despite being a desirable place to live, the borough faces challenges such as high housing costs, limited availability of family-sized accommodations, and rising childcare expenses. These factors are pushing young couples and new parents to reconsider their lives in the capital. For many, the decision to move away is not made lightly, especially given the opportunities available in London, but the financial strain often proves insurmountable. One such couple is Tiphanie Frutuoso and her husband, who recently welcomed their first child. They had planned to raise their family in Islington but found themselves priced out of the market. “A two-bedroom flat is super expensive,” Frutuoso explained. With monthly childcare costs reaching up to £3,000, they are relocating to Luxembourg, where childcare is free. “It’s really sad because we love London. We have better job opportunities here,” she said, highlighting the emotional toll of leaving behind a place they cherish. Other residents share similar stories. Tina Meschino, who gave birth to her first child at 41, chose to start a family after achieving her career goals. However, finding a suitable home in Islington proved challenging due to both cost and space constraints. Similarly, Samantha Nagaratnam, who had her daughter at 35, faced difficulties in conceiving and struggled to secure adequate housing. Her experience underscores the complex interplay of personal aspirations and practical limitations that influence family planning decisions. Local initiatives aim to address these issues. Zip-Zap, a community organization offering baby music classes, reports that families are increasingly looking beyond Islington for better schools, more affordable homes, and greater living space. Co-founder Laura Edwards warns that the departure of families could have far-reaching consequences. “It’s going to have huge implications in 40-50 years when there’s nobody to do the jobs and support the economy.” For some, staying in Islington means making drastic compromises. Patrick Penny-Annang, a father of two who has lived in the borough his entire life, now shares a one-bedroom flat with his family. “Our living room becomes our bedroom… our one bed becomes the kids' room,” he said. While he appreciates the quality of life in Islington, the high cost of living forces him into unconventional arrangements. He noted the closure of several schools over the years, adding to the sense of unease about the future of the community. Data supports the concerns of residents and officials alike. Between 2013 and 2023, London’s population of children under 10 declined significantly, even as the city’s overall population grew. In Islington, the drop has been particularly pronounced. Bassam Mahfouz, chairman of the London Assembly’s Economy, Culture and Skills Committee, describes the situation as an “absolute emergency.” His committee has proposed measures including pursuing UNICEF Child Friendly City status, implementing child-friendly housing standards, and creating detailed maps of play and recreation areas across boroughs. Mahfouz emphasized that the issues facing Islington are not isolated. “What’s happening in Islington is happening right across London,” he said, cautioning that the trend could undermine the city’s ability to sustain its workforce and economy. As efforts continue to address these challenges, the question remains whether policies will be sufficient to reverse the current trajectory before it becomes irreversible.