Construction Industry Still Heavily Reliant on Public Sector

Latest News Tue, Mar 22, 2016 4:56 PM

Commenting on the new orders for construction published today by the ONS, the Construction Products Association welcomed the rise during the final quarter of 2010 but expressed concern that this increase in orders is still dependent upon spending by the public sector on social housing, education, health and infrastructure with little sign of a recovery in the private sector.

Commenting on these latest figures, Noble Francis, Economics Director of the Construction Products Association said:  ‘Although the final quarter highlighted an 18% rise in new orders, the extent to which this is reliant on the public sector is still extremely concerning given the sharp cuts in public spending outlined in the Comprehensive Spending Review that will occur after April. Public housing orders were 69% higher than during the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter. Orders for public non-housing, which includes education, health and work on the Olympics, rose 29% during the final quarter and infrastructure orders rose 37% over the same period.”

“While commercial and private housing orders remained flat, orders for industrial factories and warehouses rose by 14% during the final quarter of the year yet, overall, orders for construction work in 2010 as a whole still remained at 2009 levels. Given the extent of the public sector cuts it is essential that private sector construction picks up. The Association has made a number of suggestions regarding this in advance of the Budget, such as reducing VAT on repair and maintenance work valued less than £10,000 and work that improves the Energy Performance Certificate rating of a property by 10 points. Measures such as this clearly indicate how construction can help to drive economic growth and rebalance the economy at a time when public finances are constrained. ’

Featured News

Specification news
Major milestone for HS2’s Chipping Warden tunnel

The construction of one of the longest ‘cut-and-cover’ tunnels on the HS2 project...

Read More >>

Specification news
AIM RAISED ACCESS FLOOR BARRIER SYSTEM FACILITATES...

Installers are often faced with the challenge of maintaining fire barrier integrity...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Your Specialist Partner in Composite Steel Roof & Floor Decking Brochure

Your Specialist Part...
By RMD Profiles Ltd

Download Now >>

PVC-U System Fully Reversible Windows by Epwin Window Systems Brochure

PVC-U System Fully R...
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

Spectus Bevelled Windows and Doors Brochure

Spectus Bevelled Win...
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

Vertical Sliding Sash Window Brochure

Vertical Sliding Sas...
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

Two-Part Cill System Brochure

Two-Part Cill System
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

DUOFLEX
DUOFLEX

DUOFLEX is a high quality elastomeric bitumen, hot bonded to the substrate incorporating the fleece...

Read More >>

TECSOUND
TECSOUND

TECSOUND is a polymer based, bitumen-free, high-density synthetic membrane. The combination of its...

Read More >>

ISOLAIR MULTI
ISOLAIR MULTI

ISOLAIR MULTI is a natural and ecological vapour-permeable, windproof and water-repellent thermal...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Discover the Power of Blue Roofs in Urban Flood Management
Discover the Power of Blue Roofs in Urban Flood Management

In this video, we explore how blue roofs are transforming urban landscapes by helping to mitigate...

Watch Now >>

RMD Profiles - UK Experts in Metal Decking, Design Installation
RMD Profiles - UK Experts in Metal Decking, Design Installation

At RMD Profiles, we’re more than just metal decking. From supply-only solutions to full design and...

Watch Now >>

A responsible addition: HIMACS shapes are now SCS-Certified for recycled content
A responsible addition: HIMACS shapes are now SCS-Certified for recycled content

HIMACS has long been the solid surface material of choice for architects and designers looking for a...

Watch Now >>