Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Departmental Office Closures

Monday 2 December 2024 · 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 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • My Department has set a workforce and location strategy that proposes to retain 16 of the existing 22 departmental offices, resulting in six offices closing over the next two years.
  • The Department prepared an initial equality impact assessment in advance of the announcement of the location strategy, which will be developed during the consultation with staff.
  • The strategy will create a more coherent office estate that enables stronger office communities and transparent career pathways for progression across each of the regions and nations of the United Kingdom.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Parliamentary Procedure Local Government
Context

The decision to close six offices has prompted concerns about staff engagement and impact on local communities. The Department's workforce and location strategy proposes retaining 16 of the existing 22 departmental offices.

Question

What consultation her Department has undertaken with staff on the decision to close six offices?

Answer from Angela Rayner

My Department has set a workforce and location strategy that proposes to retain 16 of the existing 22 departmental offices. This will result in six offices closing over the next two years. Staff engagement on the announcement is ongoing, and consultation on implementing the strategy is beginning this month. My Department will continue to engage with the trade unions and consult with them before the office closure proposals are finalised and implemented.

Answered
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Q2 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Women & Equalities
Context

The proposed closure of an office in Newcastle raises concerns about the impact on staff with protected characteristics and those with caring responsibilities. The Department has previously engaged in efforts to increase working hours at offices.

Question

Can the Secretary of State assure me that there will be an equality impact assessment before any decision is made, to ensure that the needs of those with protected characteristics and caring responsibilities are fully considered?

Answer from Angela Rayner

As my hon. Friend knows, I am a big advocate of flexible working and making sure that we support our colleagues. The Department prepared an initial equality impact assessment in advance of the announcement of the location strategy, which will be developed during the consultation with the staff and the trade unions to inform the mitigations that will support the staff who are affected.

Answered
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Q3 Gavin Williamson Con Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Employment Local Government
Context

There is a drive to get civil servants out of London and across the country. The city of Wolverhampton has an existing Departmental presence.

Question

How is the Secretary of State looking at developing and growing the base in Wolverhampton as part of her wider strategy?

Answer from Angela Rayner

The strategy will create a more coherent office estate that enables stronger office communities and transparent career pathways for progression, and we will continue to be represented across each of the regions and nations of the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on developing and growing the base in Wolverhampton were not provided.

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