UK GDP: Economy sees fastest growth in three years
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The UK's economic output grew by 0.8 per cent between July and September, the fastest quarterly growth in three years, according to official GDP figures from the Office for National Statistics.
It was the third successive period of improving output and the best performance since the second quarter of 2010, the Office for National Statistics said.
The figures, which were in line with expectations, saw all sectors of the economy grow, including a 2.5 per cent surge in construction - a sector bolstered by Government initiatives such as Help to Buy.
The Chancellor George Osborne welcomed the figures, tweeting: "This shows that Britain's hard work is paying off & the country is on the path to prosperity."
And the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, noted the growth in the construction industry.
Overall GDP was 1.5 per cent ahead of the same period last year - a strong comparison with a time when the economy was boosted by the Olympics and Paralympics.
The year-to-year rise is higher than the 1.3 per cent improvement at the end of this year's second quarter.
But the economy remains 2.5 per cent off its pre-recession peak at the start of 2008.
During the third quarter, construction was boosted by new work on private housing and private commercial building as well as domestic home repair and maintenance.
Housebuilders have been buoyed by the Government's Help to Buy scheme, which recently launched a new phase offering mortgage guarantees.
However, construction remains 12.5 per cent off its pre-crisis peak.
Production grew by 0.5 per cent, though this remains 12.8 per cent off its 2008 level, while within this manufacturing improved 0.9% in the third quarter. It is 8.9 per cent off the level five years ago.
Meanwhile, the powerhouse services sector, which represents three-quarters of economic output, grew by 0.7 per cent and is now 0.6 per cent above its pre-crisis peak.
The largest contributions here came from business services and finance, followed by distribution, hotels and restaurants.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments