ONS Construction Output: September 2023

In July 2023, monthly construction output in the United Kingdom experienced a slight decrease of 0.5% in volume compared to the previous month. This followed a notable 1.6% increase in June 2023. The total monthly value of construction output in July 2023 was estimated at £15,546 million.

The decline in monthly output was primarily attributed to a 1.3% decrease in repair and maintenance activities. In contrast, new construction work saw a marginal increase of 0.1% during the same period.

At the sector level, five out of the nine construction sectors recorded declines in July 2023. The main contributors to this monthly decrease were private housing repair and maintenance, which decreased by 3.9%, and private housing new work, which saw a 2.2% decrease.

Anecdotal evidence suggested that heavy rainfall and lower-than-average temperatures experienced in July 2023 may have contributed to delays in planned construction projects. Additionally, there were indications of a continued slowdown in the housing sector.

In addition to the monthly data, construction output remained relatively stable over the three months leading up to July 2023. This stability was a result of a 0.3% increase in new construction work, offset by a 0.4% decrease in repair and maintenance activities.

Overall, while the construction industry experienced a minor setback in July 2023, with a decline in output, it remained relatively stable in the preceding three months. Factors such as adverse weather conditions and ongoing challenges in the housing sector were noted as key contributors to the fluctuations in construction activity during this period.