According to recently published provisional figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of deaths recorded in August 2017 reached 41,080. Compared to July, this represents a growth of 2,642 and, in comparison to August last year, an increase of 316.
When looking at the recorded figures it’s important to note and the impact of weekends and moveable public holidays during the relevant month. As registry offices are not open on these data, a death may have to be registered in the following month, if, for example, it falls on a Saturday. When comparing statistics on a monthly and yearly basis, it is therefore important to consider the frequency of bank holidays and weekends during the particular month being looked at.
During August, the majority of deaths were registered in the South East, with the provision figure reaching 6, 299. In comparison to July 2017, this is a growth of 462 deaths. The North West followed, with registered deaths in this region totalling 5,568. This represents a monthly increase of 476 in terms of registered deaths.
At the other end of the spectrum, the region with the lowest number of deaths registered was the North East, with a total of 2,145. Compared to July 2017, the number of deaths registered has grown by 63. Ranking slightly ahead was Wales, where 2,622 deaths were registered during August. In comparison to the figures in the previous month, the number of registered deaths rose by 28.
