The Department for Communities and Local Government statistics show a 6% rise on the previous quarter and a one third jump on the same period last year.

Work started on 29,510 new homes during the quarter with 178 of the 326 councils in England reporting an increase in housebuilding starts over the year.

Communities Minister Brandon Lewis said: “Under the last administration, housebuilding fell to its lowest peacetime rate since the 1920s.

“But today’s figures clearly show government action is bringing confidence back into the housing market and getting Britain building again, with starts increasing by a third year-on-year.

“We’ve already delivered over 330,000 new homes over the past 3 years, and 150,000 affordable homes. There is more to do, but today’s figures reinforce the momentum towards getting Britain building again.”