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South East top relocation region South East top relocation region
(about 7 hours later)
South-east England was the most popular place for people to move to during the past 10 years, figures show.South-east England was the most popular place for people to move to during the past 10 years, figures show.
About 2.5 million people relocated to the region which had a net increase of 384,000 people over the period, with large numbers also moving out.About 2.5 million people relocated to the region which had a net increase of 384,000 people over the period, with large numbers also moving out.
The South West had the biggest net rise of 440,000, according to the statistics by mortgage lender the Halifax.The South West had the biggest net rise of 440,000, according to the statistics by mortgage lender the Halifax.
There was an overall fall of 608,000 in London, as people headed from the city to rural and coastal areas of the UK. More than 600,000 Britons moved out of London, but that loss was offset by a million people arriving from abroad.
Northern Ireland was the only other place where there was a net fall of people moving in the UK between 1996 and 2006, with a dip of 4,000. Northern Ireland was the only other place where there was a net fall of people moving to other parts of the UK between 1996 and 2006, with a dip of 4,000.
Population risesPopulation rises
However, an influx of about one million people from abroad saw the London's total population increase by 538,000. However, the arrival in London's of people from outside the UK saw the capital's total population increase by 538,000 in the ten years to 2006.
It was followed by total rises of 438,000 in the South East and 331,000 in the South West.It was followed by total rises of 438,000 in the South East and 331,000 in the South West.
The North East was the only region where the total population declined, down by 20,000. The North East saw its total population fall by 20,000 during the last decade.
The study found that 16 of the 20 local authorities with the biggest net internal migration were by the sea.The study found that 16 of the 20 local authorities with the biggest net internal migration were by the sea.
Halifax chief economist Martin Ellis said "Figures at a local authority level highlight the transient nature of the population in many of the UK's major cities.Halifax chief economist Martin Ellis said "Figures at a local authority level highlight the transient nature of the population in many of the UK's major cities.
"Birmingham, for example, recorded both the highest level of immigration and emigration in England and Wales.""Birmingham, for example, recorded both the highest level of immigration and emigration in England and Wales."