England and Wales Population Growth Slows to Post-Pandemic Low Amid Migration Drop
Demographic shifts prompt cross-party talks on social care, with key figures attending remotely.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
Population growth in England and Wales has slowed to its lowest rate since the Covid-19 pandemic, increasing by just 0.4% to an estimated 62.0 million in mid-2025.
Historically, migration fueled growth; now, its slowdown reshapes the very fabric of the nation.
This shift reveals a complex demographic tapestry across the regions, with around one in four local areas experiencing a population decline.
Despite the overall deceleration, 816,500 people arrived in England and Wales from overseas, while 604,800 individuals departed the country.
The landscape also reveals a notable increase in the very elderly, as the number of people aged 105 or more surged by 34%, reaching 709 individuals.
Among those over 100, a significant gender imbalance persists, with women outnumbering men by a ratio of 4.3 to 1.
These demographic trends set the stage for urgent political discussions, with social care facing immense pressure from this aging populace.
The Prime Minister scheduled cross-party talks on social care, aiming to forge a sustainable future for the system.
Stakeholders across the political spectrum acknowledge the urgency; Andy Burnham publicly vowed to fix the social care system.
Both the Tories and Liberal Democrats accepted Andy Burnham's invitation to attend the upcoming meeting, their participation signaling a rare moment of cross-party alignment.
However, key figures Kemi Badenoch and Ed Davey will not attend the social care talks in person.
Kemi Badenoch sends Stuart Andrew on her behalf, citing a pre-planned medical appointment.
Ed Davey joins the crucial meeting via Zoom, currently in France.