There were 4,855 notifications of the disease in 2023, compared to 4,380 in 2022. However, England still remains a low incidence country for TB, with a rate of 8.5 notifications per 100,000 population.

Levels were down on the peak of 15.6 notifications per 100,000 population seen in 2011.

Overall, the increase in notifications in 2023 was seen in both UK-born and non-UK born populations. Four-fifths (80%) of notifications were from people born outside the UK with the highest rates in people from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Romania.

TB continues to be associated with deprivation and the infection is more common in large urban areas, the research found. Rates remained highest in London, at 18.7 notifications per 100,000 people. For those born in the UK, TB is more common among those who experience homelessness, drug and alcohol dependence and have had contact with the criminal justice system.

Although numbers remain low, there was an increase in drug-resistant infections requiring longer and more complex treatment.

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, said: ‘We need to continue to remain vigilant in ensuring that best practice in prevention, control and treatment is delivered to all communities across the country. However, this can only be achieved if we continue to see increased investment in public health funding through the Public Health Grant.'