{
  "query": "UK construction cost variance benchmarks 2024-2026 NEC contract norms",
  "claims": [
    {
      "claim": "In early 2026, UK construction material costs experienced significant volatility, with structural steel sections increasing by 15-22% since January 2026.",
      "verbatim_quote": "Structural steel sections. Up 15-22% since January 2026.",
      "source_url": "https://rospower.co.uk/blog/construction-costs-geopolitical-disruption-2026/",
      "relevance": "high"
    },
    {
      "claim": "A specific case study of a highways drainage package in early 2026 showed a 3.8% increase in total contract value due to material cost rises in just four weeks.",
      "verbatim_quote": "Between tender submission and contract award in late March, the material cost had increased by £11,000 on a £290,000 package. That’s a 3.8% increase on the total contract value in four weeks",
      "source_url": "https://rospower.co.uk/blog/construction-costs-geopolitical-disruption-2026/",
      "relevance": "high"
    },
    {
      "claim": "UK cement prices rose by 8-12% in the first quarter of 2026.",
      "verbatim_quote": "UK cement prices increased 8-12% in Q1 2026.",
      "source_url": "https://rospower.co.uk/blog/construction-costs-geopolitical-disruption-2026/",
      "relevance": "high"
    },
    {
      "claim": "The price of a C32/40 concrete mix increased from £85-£90 in 2024 to £100-£115 by 2026.",
      "verbatim_quote": "a C32/40 mix that cost £85-£90 per cubic metre in 2024 is now £100-£115 in most parts of England.",
      "source_url": "https://rospower.co.uk/blog/construction-costs-geopolitical-disruption-2026/",
      "relevance": "high"
    },
    {
      "claim": "UK rebar prices in 2026 are approximately £750-£800 per tonne, compared to £520-£560 in early 2024.",
      "verbatim_quote": "UK rebar prices are tracking at roughly £750-£800 per tonne delivered, compared to £520-£560 in early 2024.",
      "source_url": "https://rospower.co.uk/blog/construction-costs-geopolitical-disruption-2026/",
      "relevance": "high"
    },
    {
      "claim": "The all-Construction Output Price Index grew by 3.4% in the 12 months leading to December 2024.",
      "verbatim_quote": "In the 12 months to December 2024, there was growth in the all-Construction Output Price Index of 3.4%.",
      "source_url": "https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/constructionindustry/articles/constructionstatistics/2024",
      "relevance": "medium"
    },
    {
      "claim": "New work output prices in the UK construction sector increased by 3.7% in 2024.",
      "verbatim_quote": "new work output prices increased across the 12 months to December 2024 by 2.7% and 3.7%, respectively.",
      "source_url": "https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/constructionindustry/articles/constructionstatistics/2024",
      "relevance": "medium"
    }
  ],
  "market_context": "- [HIGH] In early 2026, UK construction material costs experienced significant volatility, with structural steel sections increasing by 15-22% since January 2026. (source: https://rospower.co.uk/blog/construction-costs-geopolitical-disruption-2026/)\n- [HIGH] A specific case study of a highways drainage package in early 2026 showed a 3.8% increase in total contract value due to material cost rises in just four weeks. (source: https://rospower.co.uk/blog/construction-costs-geopolitical-disruption-2026/)\n- [HIGH] UK cement prices rose by 8-12% in the first quarter of 2026. (source: https://rospower.co.uk/blog/construction-costs-geopolitical-disruption-2026/)\n- [HIGH] The price of a C32/40 concrete mix increased from £85-£90 in 2024 to £100-£115 by 2026. (source: https://rospower.co.uk/blog/construction-costs-geopolitical-disruption-2026/)\n- [HIGH] UK rebar prices in 2026 are approximately £750-£800 per tonne, compared to £520-£560 in early 2024. (source: https://rospower.co.uk/blog/construction-costs-geopolitical-disruption-2026/)\n- [MEDIUM] The all-Construction Output Price Index grew by 3.4% in the 12 months leading to December 2024. (source: https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/constructionindustry/articles/constructionstatistics/2024)\n- [MEDIUM] New work output prices in the UK construction sector increased by 3.7% in 2024. (source: https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/constructionindustry/articles/constructionstatistics/2024)"
}