Latest figures from the ONS Construction Output Data for November 2023 demonstrate a worrying trend emerging in the UK construction industry – that the Repair, Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) sector is propping up declining growth in construction activity.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “November once again marks another month of decline in construction industry output.

“While it is positive that the RMI sector, which makes up the backbone of the sector, has seen significant growth of 2.1%, this cannot be a substitute for the delivery of new projects.

“The Private New Housing sector and the Infrastructure New Work sector have both seen sharp declines, which is deeply concerning for the long-term sustainability of the wider industry.

“The UK is experiencing a housing crisis, and yet the Government’s response to date has been limited.

“Despite positive first steps being taken by the Chancellor, the measures announced by the Government so far go nowhere near far enough to tackle the challenges the UK faces in delivering the vast increase in high-quality housing that the country needs.

“We need to see serious action delivered as an urgent priority, as papering-over cracks can never be a viable solution in the long-term.”