The data shows that in the first quarter of this year there were 21% fewer homes built and completed compared to the previous quarter when there were a total of 49,160.

The number of homes built and completed also fell by 6% compared to the same period last year, when completed homes totalled 41,220.

The ONS figures show that there were 35,640 homes started in Q1, compared to the 32,010 in the previous quarter representing an 11% increase.

Compared to the same period last year, the number of homes started increased by 17% from 30,350.

Commenting on the latest figures, Aldermore managing director of property Ross Dalzell highlights that latest new homes built and completed figures are more than 36,000 below the government’s quarterly target of 75,000.

Dalzell says: “Today’s data shows that the Government has fallen short of meeting its 75,000 quarterly housebuilding target. While the commitment to build 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament is ambitious, it is achievable but only with bold action at all stages of the housebuilding cycle.”

“Aldermore fully supports the push to build 1.5 million homes and recently met with No.10 policy advisors to discuss how we might remove the barriers the country faces and unlock the homes Britain desperately needs.”