NHBC's latest new house-building statistics show they received 14,537 applications to start new homes in the combined private and public sectors in the three-months to the end of February - 59% lower than the same period a year ago (35,733).

NHBC's Chief Executive, Imtiaz Farookhi, said: "The private sector continues to be worst affected, with applications to build new homes in this sector almost three quarters lower in the three months to the end of February than the same period a year ago.

"With the number of applications to start new homes in the public sector remaining broadly consistent in recent months, our statistics suggest that house builders are increasingly relying on public sector work in the downturn."

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Farhooki said with public spending continuing to be squeezed, much greater intervention is required to increase building in the private sector, with the aim of encouraging private sector house builders to participate in joint delivery schemes, such as those proposed by the Homes and Communities Agency.

NHBC statistics for the three months to the end of February 2009 also revealed of the 14,537 applications to start new homes in the combined private and public sectors during the three months to the end of February, 7,931 related to private sector activity (i.e. excluding housing associations) - 72% lower than the same three-month period a year ago (28,533).

Public sector figures for the three months to the end of February totalled 6,606 - 8% lower than the same period a year ago (7,200).

New build completions in the combined private and public sectors totalled 26,918 in the three months to the end of February - 32% lower than the same period a year ago (39,499).

The average number of daily sales of new homes in the UK from December 2008 to February 2009 was 333 - 37% lower than the same period a year ago (525).

(GK/JM)