New figures show mortality rates in England and Wales jumped since last September

Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today shows that mortality rates across both England and Wales have jumped since last year.

The ONS found that this September’s figures were “significantly” higher than those of last year, and that deaths were up by 9.4% on the pre-pandemic average.

966.2 deaths per 100,000 people were registered in England last month.In September 2020 the figure was 885.5.

In Wales registered deaths increased to 1,056.4 per 100,000 from 946.2 last year.

In England, 41.0% of excess deaths were due to Covid-19. In Wales it was higher, at 51.7%.

The top cause of death in England was dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Ischaemic heart disease was the leasing cause of death in Wales.