NEW figures show output from the Scottish construction industry increased by 10% last year.
The figures show particularly strong growth in infrastructure and private commercial activity. But output from the housebuilding sector declined with the value of public sector housing falling to its lowest level since 2007.
In light of this, the Scottish Building Federation argues that policies designed to stimulate the housing market need to be continued and Government budgets for affordable housing protected over the next financial year.
SBF Managing Director Vaughan Hart said, “It’s clearly very welcome news the value of Scottish industry output rose by almost £1
billion last year. Recovery in Scotland is being led by Government investment in major infrastructure projects such as the Queensferry Crossing and significant growth in the private commercial sector. This is a very different recovery to that being experienced south of the border, where housebuilding has been the best-performing sector of the industry.
“The value of housing output in Scotland fell by £141 million in 2013. Over the next year, I hope we will continue to see policies and investment priorities tailored to the particular needs of the Scottish industry.”
