The volume of private new housing work in Great Britain dropped 0.33% in September, practically offsetting August's 0.4% growth, latest construction figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show.
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said it was a cause for concern.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB: “It’s worrying to see a contraction in new work for private housing. We know there are long term issues facing SME house builders, with output dropping over the years. Many exited the sector in the last recession and with another one looming as the economy contracts by 0.2% we need to avoid a repeat. The government needs to act to get small house builders unstuck from the complex planning system and back to delivering high quality, diverse homes, using skilled local workers. The Autumn Statement provides an opportunity for the government to ensure local planning authorities have the resources needed to speed up the planning system and help deliver the homes this country needs.”
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