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New Construction Orders: September 2006

URN No: 06/395i

2 November 2006

Orders in the twelve months to September 2006 rose by eight per cent compared with the previous twelve months, and orders in the third quarter 2006 rose by four per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier.  Orders in the third quarter 2006 fell by 10 per cent compared to the previous quarter, with decreases in all sectors except public housing and public non-housing orders. All orders figures quoted are seasonally adjusted and in constant (2000) prices.

Private housing orders in the twelve months to September 2006 fell by five per cent compared to those in the previous twelve months.  Orders in the third quarter 2006 fell by 11 per cent compared with the previous quarter, and by 12 per cent compared with the same quarter a year earlier.

Public housing and housing association orders rose by 40 per cent in the twelve months to September 2006 compared with the previous twelve months.  Public housing and housing association orders in the third quarter 2006 rose by 24 per cent compared to the previous quarter, and by 49 per cent compared to the same quarter 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 September 2006 fell by 19 per cent compared with the previous twelve months.  Orders in the third quarter 2006 fell by 12 per cent compared with the previous quarter, and by 30 per cent when compared to the same quarter a year earlier.

Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in the twelve months to September 2006 fell by 14 per cent compared with the previous twelve months.  Orders in the third quarter 2006 rose by seven per cent compared with the previous quarter, but fell by 12 per cent when compared to the same quarter a year earlier.

Private commercial orders in the twelve months to September 2006 were 39 per cent higher than in the previous twelve months.  Orders in the third quarter 2006 were 19 per cent lower compared to the previous quarter, but rose by 42 per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier.

Private industrial orders in the twelve months to September 2006 rose by 16 per cent compared to the previous year.  Orders in the third quarter 2006 were unchanged compared to the previous quarter, but rose by six per cent compared to the same quarter 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, September, 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:
7 December 2006.