'Difficult decisions' to be made as birth rate increases in Wandsworth

Wandsworth's birth rate has gone up this year.

5, 400 babies were born here - that's 100 more than last year and the third highest in the capital only beaten by Newham and Ealing.

The council's given their opinion as to why it's risen with Councillor Guy Senior plugging the area: "Our high birth rate reflects the borough's long standing popularity with young families. 

"A combination of excellent schools, an abundance of green open space, a low crime rate and the country's lowest council tax bills make Wandsworth a highly desirable place to bring up children."

"The challenge now facing local authorities is to meet the demands of a growing population at a time when funding for local services is being reduced."

He adds that "difficult decisions" will have to be made in the name of efficiency.

This information came before the Department For Education told the New Statesman that four Sure Start Centres had been shut in Wandsworth.

But the council says they haven't shut them and accused the DfE of giving out misleading information.

What do you think kids still need in Battersea service-wise, and why do you think the birth rate has gone up? Share your opinions here Battersea People!