Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate his Department has made of the cost of the relocation of his Department's civil servants to (a) Birmingham and (b) Leeds in each forthcoming financial year.

The Department’s strategy for growing its presence in Birmingham and Leeds is focussed on relocating roles, not individuals, recruiting local talent in and around Birmingham and Leeds. Additionally, existing staff will be able to relocate to Birmingham and Leeds on a voluntary basis, continuing in their current role from a new location.

The cost of doing so is dependent on a number of factors including the proportionate mix of new starters and the relocation of existing staff, and the required changes in estate.

We are working with Government Property colleagues to source office solutions in both locations which may require different short and medium-term options. Separately we have actively consolidated our London estate as flexible ways of working lead us to having less reliance on traditional office space.

Better use of technology and innovative working practices will enable us to continue working effectively from multiple locations and minimise travel costs between offices.

The relocation of 650 roles to Birmingham and Leeds will support the local economies, creating jobs and supporting inward investment, as part of Levelling Up.