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Housing starts at six-year high, but completions fall Housing starts at six-year high, but completions fall
(35 minutes later)
The number of new houses being built in England last year was the highest for six years, according to government figures.The number of new houses being built in England last year was the highest for six years, according to government figures.
In total, 122,590 homes were started, the largest number since 2007, and a rise of 23% on the previous year.In total, 122,590 homes were started, the largest number since 2007, and a rise of 23% on the previous year.
However the number of homes completed, 109,370, was the lowest since 2010, and a fall of 5% on 2012.However the number of homes completed, 109,370, was the lowest since 2010, and a fall of 5% on 2012.
Of those, nearly 13,000 were sold under the government's Help to Buy equity loan scheme, which began in April 2013. The figures were published by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
They also showed that housing completions fell by 1% between the summer and the autumn of 2013.
Of those built, nearly 13,000 were sold under the government's Help to Buy equity loan scheme, which began in April 2013.
The number of homes being built in the UK is still well below its all-time high, which was 425,000 in 1968.The number of homes being built in the UK is still well below its all-time high, which was 425,000 in 1968.
'Woeful gap''Woeful gap'
Housing charity Shelter welcomed what it called the "uptick" in housebuilding, but said the country was still building less than half of the 250,000 homes a year it needs.Housing charity Shelter welcomed what it called the "uptick" in housebuilding, but said the country was still building less than half of the 250,000 homes a year it needs.
"With thousands of young people and families already beginning to give up hope that they will ever be able to afford a home of their own, this woeful gap between the homes we need and the homes we have spells disaster for future generations," said Campbell Robb, Shelter's chief executive."With thousands of young people and families already beginning to give up hope that they will ever be able to afford a home of their own, this woeful gap between the homes we need and the homes we have spells disaster for future generations," said Campbell Robb, Shelter's chief executive.
Last month, Prime Minister David Cameron clashed with Labour leader Ed Miliband in the House of Commons over the number of new homes being built.Last month, Prime Minister David Cameron clashed with Labour leader Ed Miliband in the House of Commons over the number of new homes being built.
Mr Miliband said the number of housing completions was at its lowest since 1924.Mr Miliband said the number of housing completions was at its lowest since 1924.
But Mr Cameron said the number of housing starts was at its highest for five years.But Mr Cameron said the number of housing starts was at its highest for five years.