Civil Service Reform 2020-01-22
2020-01-22
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The Institute for Government estimates a growing number of civil servants in London, contradicting the Prime Minister's statements about relocating Whitehall departments to the north.
What plans does the Minister have to reconcile the growth of civil service jobs in London with the Prime Minister's commitment to relocate Whitehall Departments and make government more relevant to northern England?
The hon. Lady raises a very important point about moving Government activity out of London, which is why we have created a default where new agencies must be located outside London and the south-east. The Prime Minister is determined to go further with this agenda.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns are raised about the spending on political appointees, their earnings, professional standards in the civil service, and departures from specific departments.
Given that the Government plans to spend £50 million on political appointees and noting recent departures at the Department for Exiting the European Union, how can the Minister assure the House of the protection of civil service professional standards?
The independence and integrity of the civil service will be upheld; we must harness all talents, including those with data analytics skills to modernise the service.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
A question about moving more civil service jobs out of London to the north-east of Scotland is raised.
In line with civil service reform, what thought has the Minister given to relocating more civil service jobs from London to locations such as the north-east of Scotland?
The hon. Friend raises an important point; we have seen large new hubs being created in Edinburgh to bring together Government services and look forward to discussing opportunities this Friday.
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