Monthly construction output is estimated to be flat

Monthly construction output is estimated to be flat (0.0% growth) in volume terms in December 2022; this came from an increase in new work (0.5%), offset by a decrease in repair and maintenance (0.7% fall) on the month.

This follows a fall of 0.5% (revised down from being flat) in the ONS figures for November 2022.

At the sector level, the main positive contributors were seen in non-housing repair and maintenance, and infrastructure new work, which increased 5.4% and 3.7%, respectively; the main negative contributors were seen in private housing repair and maintenance, and private new housing, falling 8.5% and 2.3%, respectively.

Quarterly construction output increased 0.3% in Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec) 2022 compared with Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2022; the increase came from growth in both new work (0.4%) and repair and maintenance (0.1%).

Annual construction output increased by 5.6% in 2022 compared with 2021, which follows a record increase in 2021 of 12.8%.

Total construction new orders decreased 1.8% (£242 million) in Quarter 4 2022 compared with Quarter 3 2022; this quarterly fall came mainly from private commercial new orders and infrastructure, which fell 9.6% (£380 million) and 11.8% (£305 million), respectively.

The annual rate of construction output price growth was 9.7% in the 12 months to December 2022; this has slowed slightly from the record annual price growth in May 2022 (10.5%).