Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of closing the Information Commissioner's Office in Wilmslow on the local economy.

The Information Commissioner’s decision to relocate was approved by the Cabinet Office. As part of this approval process the Cabinet Office assesses any proposed lease of office space against value for money, efficiency, sustainability and increasing professional skills and expertise. It does not require consultation with local government, a separate economic assessment or an external consultation. Commercial confidentiality means we cannot reveal real estate costs without the agreement of the landlords but I can assure the Rt Hon. Member that the relocation represents value for money for the taxpayer.

The Commissioner consulted his staff and an external independent property agent. He also consulted other regulators about their experience of setting up a new office in Manchester and the Oxford Road Corridor Board about access to talent and alignment of objectives.