The latest ONS construction figures released today highlight that output fell 6% in May compared to a year earlier and, overall, the outlook for construction during 2012 appears bleak.
Commenting on the figures, Noble Francis, Economics Director at the Construction Products Association said: ‘Although the coalition has consistently made pronouncements of boosting UK construction and the economy, there is little sign of this in reality. Public sector housing output in May was 23% lower than a year earlier and in the three months to May was also 23% lower than a year earlier. Public non-housing output, which primarily covers education and health construction, during May was 20% lower than a year earlier and in the three months to May was 22% lower than a year earlier.’
‘Private commercial, the largest construction sector, continues to be the key bright area of construction. Commercial output in May was 2% higher than a year ago and in the first five months of the year was 1.3% higher than one year ago. However, this is not enough to offset the public sector cuts and, overall, in the first five months of the year, construction output was 5.4% lower than a year earlier so prospects for the year as a whole are bleak.’
‘If government is serious about recovery in UK construction and the economy, it clearly needs to focus on getting a replacement for PFI sorted out immediately, getting work on the ground now by focusing on repair and maintenance and ensuring that the Green Deal becomes a success by giving householders greater incentives to invest in energy-saving improvements.’
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
The Construction Products Association represents the UK’s manufacturers and suppliers of construction products, components and fittings. The Association acts as the voice of the construction products sector, representing the industry-wide view of its members. The sector has an annual turnover of £50 billion and accounts for 44% of total construction output.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Simon Storer
Communications and External Affairs Director
Construction Products Association
Tel : 020 7323 3770
Fax : 020 7323 0307
Mobile : 0770 286 2257
E-mail : simon.storer@constructionproducts.org.uk
Noble Francis
Economics Director
Construction Products Association
Tel : 020 7323 3770
Fax : 020 7323 0307
E-mail: noble.francis@constructionproducts.org.uk
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