'Oh I do like to be beside the seaside'
Friday, February 20, 2009
Jaimie Kanwar
A new report by Halifax has revealed that Coastal areas are proving to be the most popular destinations for internal migration across England and Wales...
According to the Bank, the attraction of living by the sea is proven by the fact that of the 20 local authorities (LAs) seeing the biggest increases in net internal migration between 1997 and 2007, 80 per cent are coastal areas.
This suggests that whilst city living still proves popular, many only stay for a limited number of years. Birmingham recorded both the highest internal inflow (315,600) of people and the highest outflow of people (403,600) between 1997 and 2007.
As city living wears thin, 19 of the 20 LAs that saw the largest net fall in internal migration are located within cities.
London losing its appeal?
Nine of the ten local authorities that experienced the biggest net drop in internal migration in England and Wales are in London. Overall, however, London's population increased over the period due to high levels of net international migration and 'natural change' (i.e. an excess of births over deaths).
Martin Ellis, Halifax economist, said: "There have been significant population movements across England and Wales during recent years. Coastal areas have proved to be popular destinations for people to move to as many people have sought to take advantage of the benefits of living near the sea.
"The figures also highlight the transient nature of the population in many of our major cities. Birmingham, for example, recorded both the highest level of internal immigration and emigration in England and Wales."
Source: www.Halifax.co.uk
