Construction figures reflect uncertainty
14 November 2019Commenting on the new construction output figures published by the ONS on November 11, which show output increasing by 0.6% in Q3 (July-Sept 2019) but a decrease of 0.2% in September 2019, Clive Docwra, Managing Director of leading construction consulting and design agency McBains, said the latest figures reflect the uncertainty the sector is currently experiencing.
“They show an increase in new work over July to September, and in particular higher than expected increases in housing, commercial and industrial new work, but a slowdown in September itself.
“We expect this slowdown to continue over the next few months, especially given last month’s confirmation of a further delay in Brexit.
“Business and investors hate uncertainty, so the continuing saga of if and when the UK leaves the EU, plus the added unpredictability of the general election, means there will be a continued reluctance to commit funding to new projects.
“We also need to see the major parties make strong policy commitments to boost the housebuilding programme, which is failing to deliver the number of homes required to meet the housing shortage.”
