United Kingdom Public Servants may be relocated to the northern city of York (pictured) alongside Parliament’s House of Lords under Government devolution plans.
Departments have been given just two weeks to hand in their proposals to move thousands of officials out of London and into regional ‘hubs’ around the country.
Speaking to journalists, an unnamed source said officials had already started looking at property in York.
“It’s pretty serious; senior Civil Servants who are close to decision-making are already looking to see what they can buy for the cost of a terraced house in East Dulwich — and they like it,” the source said.
“They are looking at substantial Edwardian villas in Harrogate,” they said.
A second source told The Times newspaper that nothing had been confirmed, but that plans were under way to create regional hubs for Public Servants.
“Moving the House of Lords is a major thing, but there could be lots of stuff. You could put the Home Office there,” the source said.
The Treasury is thought to be checking out a new base on Teeside, making a northern hub for policy-makers if the Lords moves to York.
The east and west Midlands could also become homes to other Public Service hubs, while there is also pressure for bases in Scotland and Wales.
The plan is related to a separate study on Public Service productivity during the lockdown.
Some senior officials believe that for many officers working remotely could become normal, instead asking them to spend just two days in the office a week.
London, 13 July 2020
