Birth rate on the rise as more women choose start their families later

The population of the UK will rise to 71 million in 2031, and may be as high as 108 million by 2081. According to projections from the Office of National Statistics, this is thanks to a 'consistent rise' in fertility since 2001. Over the past six years, the birth rate has risen from the record low of 1.63 children per woman to 1.84 - the highest since 1980.

Previous studies have indicated that migration factors have been behind the majority of population rises but the ONS says conceptions are on the rise for UK-born and foreign-born women alike. The findings also show these new mums come from all classes of society.

Better maternity leave entitlement, tax credits and other benefits for parents are likely to be behind the increasing fertility rates, especially for mothers over 25.

The mother's birthplace seems to have bearing on the number of children she intends to have - 18% of women born abroad want four or more children whereas only 11% of women born in Britain want such large families. However, the ONS has been criticised by the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants for classifying women by country of birth only, rather than taking in to account their nationality and where they spent their formative years.

Along with the increased birth rate, the average life expectancy is rising and the ONS estimate that by 2031 there will be almost three million citizens over 85. The good news is, this means it's far more likely that all these new babies will have the opportunity to get to know their grandparents - or even great-grandparents.

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