Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Government Estate: Running Costs

Thursday 8 December 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Since 2010 the central general purpose estate size has been reduced by 30%, cutting annual running costs by 1.6 billion.
  • The Government Property Strategy 2022-2030 aims to save 500 million in estate operating costs by 2025 through relocation.
  • The Minister acknowledged the possibility of using empty Government properties to provide warmth and dry places for those facing homelessness.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Local Government
Context

The question follows ongoing efforts to reduce government property expenses.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to reduce the running costs of the Government estate. Since 2010, significant reductions have been made but further savings are needed.

Answer from Alex Burghart

Since 2010 the size of the central general purpose estate has been reduced by 30%, which has cut annual running costs by £1.6 billion. The “Government Property Strategy 2022-2030”, published in August, commits us to making further estate operating cost savings of £500 million by 2025 by relocating London roles, co-locating in multi-agency hubs, and selling surplus property.

Answered
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Q2 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Energy Environment
Context

Discussions around energy efficiency and cost-saving measures prompted this question.

Question

The German Government have limited temperatures in public buildings to 19°C. We could put on an extra layer and do a lot better, couldn't we?

Answer from Alex Burghart

I feel that my right hon. Friend could survive in sub-19°C temperatures without an extra layer, but, as he will know, the Health and Safety Executive issues advice on temperatures in workplaces. Regulations suggest that the minimum temperature for indoor working should be at least 16°C, or 13° where rigorous physical effort is required. We have the flexibility to take that action, should we wish to do so.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Adopting specific temperature regulations

How: We Have The Flexibility To Take That Action, Should We Wish To Do So

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Housing
Context

Cold weather has increased the urgency of finding shelter for homeless individuals.

Question

Could use be made of empty Government properties? Given that bitterly cold weather is hitting the UK with a vengeance this week, have the Minister and the Cabinet Office considered making properties in city centres available to provide warm and dry places for those who are struggling with homelessness?

Answer from Alex Burghart

As ever, the hon. Gentleman has raised an important issue, and if he has any specific buildings in mind, I shall be happy to meet him to discuss it.

Not addressed: Taking steps or plans to utilise unused property for homeless people

How: I Shall Be Happy To Meet Him To Discuss It

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