Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Information Commissioner’s Office: Relocation

16 July 2025 · 2 other contributors · 4,277 words

Opened by Esther McVey Con Tatton

Responding minister: Chris Bryant

Standards & Ethics

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Esther McVey raised concerns about information commissioner’s office: relocation in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The Information Commissioner's Office is relocating from Wilmslow to Manchester in autumn 2026, impacting over 800 jobs.
  • Residents seek assurances that the relocation decision included a full assessment of its impacts, including consultations with local stakeholders.
  • The Minister defended the relocation as necessary due to increased workload, citing statutory funding changes.

Key requests to Government

Residents want assurances that the relocation decision was thoroughly considered with a full assessment of its impacts, including consultations with local businesses and employees. They also seek information on staff remaining in Wilmslow post-relocation and cost implications.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Esther McVey Con Tatton

The Information Commissioner’s Office is relocating from Wilmslow to Manchester in autumn 2026, affecting over 800 jobs and the local economy. There was no consultation or explanation provided for this decision, raising questions about accountability and impact assessment.

Other contributors (2)
  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda

    The hon. Member responded to the right hon. Lady's concerns by stating that the ICO has conducted thorough economic analysis and consultations, which showed that relocating to Manchester would provide better access to talent pipelines, technological skills, and diverse workforce demographics.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Concerned about the lack of consultation regarding the impact on local economy and community from the relocation of the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Government Response

Chris Bryant

The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms

The Minister stated that a statutory instrument was laid to change the ICO's funding arrangements due to increased workload from more freedom of information requests. He defended the process as necessary rather than secretive, noting previous parliamentary debates on similar matters where the MP did not participate.

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