CPA: ONS figures confirm Association’s bleak outlook for construction
The latest figures for construction output from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published today highlight the increasingly bleak outlook for construction over the coming year, in line with the recent industry forecasts from the Construction Products Association.
Responding to the figures, Noble Francis, Economics Director at the Construction Products Association, said: “Today’s figures confirm the deteriorating picture for the private new housing and commercial sectors, which we have been highlighting for a number of months. Unfortunately, public housing figures also fell by almost 60% in 2008. The construction industry was hoping that increased spending for public housing would begin to come through to offset the sharp fall in private sector housing, in line with recent government announcements. Sadly, the ONS figures indicate this is unlikely to occur in the near future, even though the industry is crying out for positive government action and could deliver this desperately needed housing in a relatively short time frame.”
The main findings from today’s figures are:
Private Housing
. Fallen 57.5% in the quarter to December 2008 compared to the same quarter in 2007, the largest quarterly fall in the history of New Orders figures for Private Housing (since 1983).
. Fallen 43.2% in the 12 months to December compared to the same period a year ago, the largest 12 month fall in the history of New Orders figures for Private Housing (since 1983).
Public Housing
. Fallen 58.7% in December 2008 compared to December 2007, the largest monthly fall since August 1997.
Commercial
. Fallen 41.4% in the quarter to December 2008 compared to the same quarter in 2007, the largest quarterly fall in the history of New Orders figures for Commercial (since 1983).
. Fallen 27.3% in the 12 months to December compared to the same period a year ago, the largest 12 month fall in the history of New Orders figures for Commercial (since 1983).
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 £40 billion and accounts for 40% 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 : 07702 862 257
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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