New figures show Barking and Dagenham recorded one of the biggest reductions in teenage conceptions in London, reflecting the impact of continued partnership work to support young people.

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows the borough's under-18 conception rate fell from 14.5 per 1,000 young women in 2022 to 12.3 in 2023, a reduction of more than 15% in a single year.

The improvement moves Barking and Dagenham from being the second-highest rate in London to the sixth-highest, representing significant progress and outperforming the overall rate of reduction seen across both London and England.

The data, released in June 2026 and analysed by the Teenage Pregnancy Knowledge Exchange at the University of Bedfordshire, showed London's under-18 conception rate fell by 7% over the same period, while the national rate fell by 2.9%.

The achievement reflects the work of a wide range of partners across the borough, including education, public health, NHS services, schools, youth services and voluntary sector organisations, working together to provide young people with high-quality relationships and sex education, sexual health support and access to advice and services.

Cllr Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care & Health, said:

"These figures are extremely encouraging and demonstrate the positive impact of the work taking place across Barking and Dagenham to support young people. This achievement has been made possible through the dedication of our schools, health partners, youth services and community organisations, all working together to help young people make informed choices and access the support they need.”