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Written question asked by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 March 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 March 2013. It was answered by Chloe Smith (Conservative) on Monday, 25 March 2013 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Government Departments: Location

Question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2013, Official Report, column 253W, on Government departments: locations, whether he has made an assessment of the potential benefits in (a) cost savings, (b) economic growth or (c) regeneration of moving staff of Government departments out of London to the regions.

[149660]

Answer

There have been numerous studies on the benefits of relocation, both by the previous Conservative Government and the Government of which the hon. Lady was a Member. We recognise that the number of civil servants in Central London is higher than it needs to be. Relocation of staff out of expensive London offices to other regions continues to be high on the agenda, as an option to deliver the savings needed. However, the final location of posts in a Department is decided by its business and operational requirements.

The Government Property Unit, in the Cabinet Office, is managing a programme of estate rationalisation across Central London in order to reduce the cost of offices and to make savings for the UK taxpayer. The Government's strategy is to consolidate its operations into freehold and PFI space where that is practical and cost-effective to do so. This has already resulted in the reduction of the Central Civil Estate in London by just over 432,900 sq m, or around 20% in the period from 1 May 2010 to 1 March 2013.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
149660; 560 c964W
Session
2012-13
Related items
Government Departments: Location
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Government departments Location
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk