The new orders figures were out today and they hint at a uplift, with the headline figure showing a 2% rise comparing the three months to July with the previous three months.

And recently when I speak to people in the industry they seem a bit more optimistic.

Sadly any support to the new orders figures (other the effects of restocking among private housebuilders) is down to the public purse.

A friend in need at the moment, but I suspect not a friend in deed in about a year or so.