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New Construction Orders: April 2006

URN No: 06/395D

Reference  C-0606

Date  8 June 2006

Orders in the twelve months to April 2006 rose by eight per cent compared with the previous twelve months, but orders in the three months to April 2006 fell by four per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.  Orders in the three months to April 2006 fell by 14 per cent compared to the previous three months, with decreases in all sectors. All orders figures quoted are seasonally adjusted and in constant (2000) prices.

Private housing orders in the twelve months to April 2006 rose by one per cent compared to those in the previous twelve months.  Orders in the three months to April 2006 fell by one per cent compared with the previous three months, and by 14 per cent compared with the same period a year earlier.

Public housing and housing association orders rose by 18 per cent in the twelve months to April 2006 compared with the previous twelve months.  Public housing and housing association orders in the three months to April 2006 fell by 12 per cent compared to the previous three months, but rose by 18 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.  All comparisons in this sector are affected by large variations due to its relatively small size.

Infrastructure orders in the twelve months to April 2006 increased by 19 per cent compared with the previous twelve months.  Orders in the three months to April 2006 fell by 34 per cent compared with the previous three months, and by 22 per cent when compared to the same period a year earlier.

Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in the twelve months to April 2006 fell by 10 per cent compared with the previous twelve months.  Orders in the three months to April 2006 fell by three per cent compared with the previous three months, and by six per cent when compared to the same period a year earlier.

Private commercial orders in the twelve months to April 2006 were 12 per cent higher than in the previous twelve months.  Orders in the three months to April 2006 were 17 per cent lower compared to the previous three months, but rose by three per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.

Private industrial orders in the twelve months to April 2006 rose by 32 per cent compared to the previous year.  Orders in the three months to April 2006 fell by 25 per cent compared to the previous three months, but rose by 17 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.

NOTES TO EDITORS      

1.  Because monthly figures are variable, especially for individual sectors, attention is directed to the latest quarter. Even this comparison may be affected by exceptionally high or low results.

2.  Figures for individual sectors can be affected by exceptionally large contracts.

3.  Current price figures (table 3A) are adjusted - using information on the movement of tender prices - to produce constant price figures (tables 1 and 2) which provide a measure of volume.

4.  A regional breakdown of orders at current prices is published every quarter, i.e. for March, June, September and December.

5.  Additional graphs showing more detailed trends in individual sectors are included in the Statistical Release.

6.  National Statistics are produced to high professional standards set out in the National Statistics Code of Practice.  They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure they meet customer needs.

7.  Next publication date of New Construction Orders Statistical Release:
6 July 2006.

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