During the last eight years the number of new build houses in England has been steadily increasing, according to recently released government figures.

In news likely to interest those seeking jobs in the housing industry or ther network partners in construction, since 2000-01 new build starts have risen by a full 19 per cent and completions have gone up by 26 per cent.

Starts in 2000-01 stood at 141,700, compared to 168,800 in the year leading up to June 2007. And completions came up from being at 129,900 in 2001/02 to 168,200 in the 12 months till June of this year.

In the last, year completions have risen by two per cent. However, in the north-west and south-east where levels were high, the amount of starts has dropped substantially recently.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Housing Corporation, Peter Dixon, has seen his second term extended by almost two years.

Communities Minister, Baroness Andrews, said: "I am very pleased that Peter Dixon has agreed to remain at the helm of the Housing Corporation in the run up to the new homes agency."

The Housing Corporation is responsible for funding affordable new homes for social housing.

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