Construction output drops slightly in July

Monthly construction output is estimated to have decreased 0.5% in volume terms in July 2023, per data from the ONS. This follows a 1.6% increase in June 2023, with the monthly value in level terms in July 2023 at £15,546 million.

The decrease in monthly output came solely from a 1.3% decrease in repair and maintenance, the ONS says, with new work increasing 0.1% on the month.

Five of the nine sectors saw a fall in July 2023, with the main contributors to the monthly decrease being private housing repair and maintenance, and private housing new work, which reportedly decreased 3.9% and 2.2%, respectively.

According to the ONS, anecdotal evidence suggests the effect of heavy rainfall and lower-than-average temperatures in July 2023 led to delays in planned work; while additional evidence indicated a continued slowdown in the housing sector.

Alongside the monthly decrease, construction output was flat in the three months to July 2023; this came from a 0.3% increase in new work, offset by a 0.4% decrease in repair and maintenance.
www.ons.gov.uk