The two.0% fall in building output within the three months to January 2026, as reported within the newest figures from the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics (ONS), ought to set alarm bells ringing for an business already underneath pressure, says the Federation of Grasp Builders (FMB). 

Brian Berry, Chief Government of the FMB, mentioned: “Alarm bells needs to be ringing loudly after one other fall in general building output, marking the fourth consecutive drop within the three‑month figures. The steep decline in personal new housing is very worrying, as that is the place we’d like momentum if we’re to even get near the Authorities’s goal of 1.5 million new properties. Taken alongside a stagnating wider economic system, with 0% development this month, these figures counsel that confidence is draining away from the sector at a important second.” 

Berry concluded: “It’s telling that the one space exhibiting development firstly of the yr was restore, upkeep and enchancment work, which is largely carried out by micro firms, though this output has dropped general within the final three months. This reveals that the nation’s small builders are propping up building output as a complete, however they can’t shoulder the burden alone. If the Authorities desires to get building again on its toes, it should push ahead with its adjustments to the Nationwide Planning Coverage Framework (NPPF) rapidly and guarantee native authority planning groups are adequately staffed to make sure different areas like housing can push on with supply.” 

Picture: Brian Berry, FMB (FMB)