Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much time off in lieu has been taken by staff in his Department in each of the last five years.

Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) is agreed locally, subject to business needs and line manager approval. The Department does not hold centrally managed records of TOIL for the period in question. TOIL forms just one of the options where conditioned hours are exceeded; those who use the flexi system can choose to credit hours under this policy, and overtime may be paid where agreed in advance with line management.

The Department ensures that the requirements of the Working Time Regulations of 1998 as regards civil service working hours are adhered to and has a commitment to the well-being of our staff which aims to ensure that everyone has a good work/life balance. We want to create a working environment that allows people to flourish and thrive through positive, supportive relationships which recognise the importance of individual wellbeing, and how this may be affected by working patterns and practices. The commitment of our Senior Civil Service cadre to the wellbeing of their staff is demonstrated by the fact that 85 per cent have completed the Wellbeing Confident Leadership Training.