Home movers making for the seaside

Coastal areas have become an increasingly popular location for internal migrants to move to, according to research by Halifax. As the seaside proves attractive, 16 of the 20 local authorities (80%) in England and Wales with the highest levels of net internal migration between 1997 and 2007 are coastal areas.

The population of the East Riding of Yorkshire gets the biggest lift from net internal migration

At a local level, the population of the East Riding of Yorkshire received the biggest lift from net internal migration in England and Wales between 1997 and 2007. 35,600 more people moved to the East Riding from elsewhere in England and Wales than left the area to live elsewhere in the country, equivalent to 11% of the area's total population in 20071. Tendring in Essex recorded the second largest increase in net internal migration (22,300) over the period, followed by East Lindsey in Lincolnshire (21,600) and Arun in West Sussex (21,100).

Seven LAs among both the 10 areas with largest inflows and outflows

Demonstrating transient lifestyles and moving patterns seven of the 10 LAs with the highest number of internal immigrants between 1997 and 2007 also featured among the ten local authorities with the largest number of people emigrating to other parts of England and Wales over the same period.

Birmingham records both the highest inflow and outflow of people

Suggesting city living eventually wears thin for many, Birmingham recorded both the highest internal inflow (315,600) and the highest outflow of people (403,600) of any local authority in England and Wales since 1997. Birmingham recorded the biggest decline in net internal migration (-88,000) followed by the London boroughs of Newham (-71,300), Brent (-69,900) and Ealing (-57,700). Nineteen out of the twenty LAs that saw the largest net fall in internal migration are located within cities.

Nine of the ten LAs with the biggest falls in net internal migration are in London

Could the appeal of London be wearing thin? Nine of the 10 local authorities that experienced the biggest net decline in internal migration in England and Wales between 1997 and 2007 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."