According to recently published provisional figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of deaths recorded in May 2017 reached 44,253. Compared to April, this figure represents an increase of 5,182 deaths, and, in comparison to May last year, a growth of 2,891 deaths.
When analysing the figures, it’s important to note the impact of moveable public holidays and weekends during the relevant month. As registry offices are closed on these days, a death may have to be registered in the following month if, for example, it falls on Saturday. Therefore, the frequency of weekends and bank holidays should be considered when statistics are being compared in past months as well as past years. The rise in May’s provisional deaths may be related to the higher number of days when register offices were open in comparison to April.
During May, the majority of deaths were registered in the South East, with a provisional figure reaching 6,822. In comparison to April 2017, this is a rise of 885. The North West followed, with registered deaths in this region totalling 5,951. This represents a monthly increase of 493 in terms of registered deaths.
In contrast, the region with the lowest number of deaths registered was the North East, with a total of 2,300. Compared to April 2017, the number of registered deaths has risen by 260. Ranking just ahead was Wales, where 2,799 deaths were registered during May. In comparison to the figures in the previous month, the number of registered deaths grew by 199.
