Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2017 to Question 8207, whether the relevant HMT guidelines are in the public domain; by what criteria the charging mechanism will be tailored to individual departments; and if he will make a statement.

The overarching framework of the charging mechanism is currently in development with input from HM Treasury (HMT) and Finance colleagues across government departments. The GPA are committed to ensuring that the charging mechanism reflects the varying requirements of individual departments. This is an extensive an ongoing process as we work to transform how government property services are delivered. By its very nature the charging mechanism will be commercial in confidence and is not intended for publication but will conform to relevant HMT guidelines. When all conditions are satisfied by HMT and the shadow GPA, a public announcement will be made for the official launch of the GPA.