The decline may be explained by higher infertility or women waiting until later in life to start families

The birth rate in England and Wales has fallen to a record low, with a nearly 10 per cent drop in the number of babies being born since 2012.

Official figures show there were 657,076 live births last year or 11.1 per 1,000 people, the lowest rate since records began in 1938.

Higher levels of infertility and conception problems caused by postponing starting a family may have contributed to the increase, the Office for National Statistics said.

Women also now have improved access to contraception and are more likely to spend longer in education, delay marriage and have longer careers before starting a family. Some couples have also put off having children due to job security or concerns over the environment.

Although the