New construction orders show sharp decline

Growth in new construction orders in the public sector in the year to September were more than offset by sharp declines in the private sector — according to figures from the DTI. Private commercial orders were 3% down on the previous 12 months, 10% down on the same quarter a year earlier and 16% down on the previous quarter. Figures are seasonally adjusted and in constant 2000 prices. Private industrial orders showed a 14% year-on-year rise and were up by 1% on the same quarter a year earlier. There was a 16% drop on the previous quarter. Public non-housing orders (not infrastructure) rose by 1% on the previous year, 11% on the quarter a year earlier and by 4% on the previous quarter. Orders for public housing and housing associations were up by 3% year on year, 4% on the same quarter a year earlier and 1% on the previous quarter. Private housing rose by 8% year on year, 5% on the same quarter a year earlier, but fell by 4% on the previous quarter.