Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in determining the relocation of 370 Ministry of Defence jobs at Norcross, Blackpool, Blackpool Council has been consulted on the possibility of co-locating these jobs with other civil servants at the proposed civil service hub near Blackpool North station; and what assessment of value for money of that option has been made.

In line with the Government Estates Strategy, Defence Business Services (DBS) are considering how to make the most efficient and cost-effective use of its property in the North West.

Civilian staff employed at the DBS Norcross site have been informed of the Department's planning assumption to vacate by 2023 and due process remains ongoing to ratify the preferred option for DBS's future presence in the North West. The Department is very much aware of the impact these changes may have on its staff and local communities, and officials will continue to carry out the necessary consultations with the Local Authorities and other Government Departments concerned, including the Trade Unions.