Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defence Business Services

Monday 12 December 2022 · 2 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

  • Ministerial impact assessment did not include regional economic factors in decision-making.
  • Consolidation of offices into Blackpool site aims to meet user requirements and bring 700 posts to Blackpool.
  • Minister agrees to meet with the hon. Gentleman to discuss assistance for affected individuals.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Byrne Lab Liverpool West Derby
Defence
Context

The planned closure of Defence Business Services offices in the North West has been a concern for constituents who are worried about job relocation and commute difficulties.

Question

Whether his Department has made an impact assessment of the planned closure of Defence Business Services offices in the North West. The movement of jobs will affect many staff and their families, with some facing commutes over two hours that may be unworkable due to train service issues and caring responsibilities or disabilities.

Answer from Alex Chalk

A regional economic impact assessment was undertaken during downselection but did not form part of the decision-making criteria. The consolidation into the Blackpool site meets key user requirements, is an opportunity to bring 700 posts to Blackpool from our other north-west sites, and contributes to the redevelopment at Talbot Gateway through the building of the new Government hub.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Whether his Department has made an impact assessment of the planned closure of Defence Business Services offices in the North West specifically considering its socio-economic impacts on employees and their families, and addressing concerns about commutes and job relocation.

How: A Regional Economic Impact Assessment Was Undertaken During Downselection But Did Not Form Part Of The Decision-Making Criteria.

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Q2 Ian Byrne Lab Liverpool West Derby
Defence Employment
Context

The planned closure of the Ministry of Defence Business Services office in Liverpool has led to many constituents contacting Ian Byrne with concerns about job relocation and commute difficulties.

Question

I thank the Minister for that answer, but I have had many constituents contact me about the planned closure of the Ministry of Defence Business Services office in Liverpool. The movement of jobs will affect them and their families. The new commute of more than two hours—especially with the train service at the moment—will be completely unworkable for many staff, particularly those with caring responsibilities or disabilities. Will the Minister meet me as soon as possible to discuss this situation so that I can share the deep concerns of my constituents with him?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Yes, of course, I will meet the hon. Gentleman. But there have actually been some good and constructive conversations with the unions, I am pleased to say, about trying to assist individuals who may want to go—we will try to assist and provide expenses. For those who do not, there is lots of work going on to ensure alternatives should they want to take them. But let us discuss it further—I would be very happy to do so.

Answered
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