Construction sector output – a key indicator of economic growth – expanded by 0.9 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2012, halting a decline that had been ongoing since the third quarter of 2011.

According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the greatest contributions were provided by the infrastructure and housing sectors, which grew by 4.2 and 5.9 per cent respectively.

However, these gains were mitigated by a drop in new public non-housing work, as well as housing repair and maintenance.

Estimates of the total volume of construction output indicate a year-on-year drop of 9.3 per cent in 2012′s fourth quarter and similar declines were recorded in the amount of all new work.

The ONS noted that the non-seasonally adjusted output for the period differed noticeably from that in previous years.

“Although December has shown large falls compared with November for all three years, in 2012 the fall was bigger.  In addition, output has fallen between September and October in the two previous years but rose by 8.8 per cent this year,” said the organisation.

The ONS went on to note that output rose between October and November in the past two years, but fell by 3.1 per cent in 2012.

Earlier in the week, the body unveiled figures that showed a massive increase in self-employment within the construction industry – accounting for 44 per cent of all workers in the sector.

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The Green Deal has been launched by the government today (January 28^th) in a drive to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the UK.

Under the scheme, householders will be offered loans for the express purpose of implementing energy-saving measures, which will help to cut their power bills in the long-term.

Energy and Climate Change minister Greg Barker claimed the project would “transform” the market and put consumers in the driving seat in terms of home improvement.

“It’s a fantastic new scheme that will allow people to make their homes warmer and save energy at the same time,” he said.

Mr Barker went on to note that businesses are also set to benefit from the Green Deal and lauded its potential to create new jobs.

However, the scheme came under fire from certain parties, with the Electrical Contractors Association criticising the government for failing to promote the policy.

“The Green Deal is meant to be a flagship energy policy for the Government but while it has been high on policy statements, it has been desperately low on marketing. Most of the key target audience – the public – don’t even know it exists,” Paul Reeve, head of business policy and practice at the organisation said.

Which? magazine described the public’s reaction to the launch as “muted”, pointing to figures that indicate only nine per cent of people it surveyed were aware of it.

“We want the Government to ensure that Green Deal quotes are clear and comparable so consumers can make an informed choice and we want any signs of bad sales practices stamped out as soon as possible,” said executive director Richard Lloyd.

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