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UK construction growth downgraded as Brexit uncertainty continues

UK construction growth downgraded as Brexit uncertainty continues

The common denominator across – Brexit-related uncertainty, major infrastructure projects such as HS2, private housing – is the role of government. The UK construction industry has been very poorly served by the current administration – most obviously by its inability to agree on a politically acceptable form of Brexit; but also by delays on Crossrail and its indecision and prevarication on HS2 and new nuclear power stations; and the ongoing failure to create the conditions that will spur the additions to the housing stock that the country so badly needs.

Commenting on the forecasts, Noble Francis, Economics Director at the CPA, said, “If the government can improve its delivery of major infrastructure projects, then construction output could outperform our forecasts in spite of Brexit uncertainty. However, it is a big ‘if’.” We can only agree with that sentiment and hope we see a quick resolution to the constitutional crisis generated by Brexit so that the government can bring some focus to the other urgent issues affecting the construction industry.

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