Nicholas Soames, East Grinstead’s MP, has called on the Cabinet Office to bring forward proposals to relocate staff and Government Departments to East Grinstead.

Nicholas said; “The location of staff and Government Departments to East Grinstead would give the town a remarkable opportunity to reset its bigger interests. There is a sound case for Government Departments to relocate out of London to areas close to London, and it could be a magnificent chance for East Grinstead to host Government offices with all that would bring to the town in so many ways. I have urged upon the Cabinet Office East Grinstead’s excellent claims, and I look forward to seeing how these policies develop. I will continue to lobby in the town’s wider interests, which will be so important for its future success”.

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Parliamentary Written Answer from the Minister for the Cabinet Office; The Rt Hon Francis Maude MP. Monday 21st March, 2011

East Grinstead

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will bring forward proposals to relocate (a) staff and (b) offices of Government Departments to East Grinstead; and if he will make a statement. [46131]

Mr Maude [holding answer 14 March 2011]: The relocation of Government staff outside of London continues to be considered among other options to deliver the savings set out at the spending review and increase the efficiency of the Government's estate.

It is the Government's property strategy to implement and manage a system of national property controls across the central civil and operational estate as well as setting up property vehicles (PVs) that will make savings through a more co-ordinated approach to property asset management of the central civil office estate. As a first step, the Government Property Unit will set up pilot PVs for the central London and Bristol office estate from 2011-12.

The current spending controls on Government property will result in a reduction in both the cost and size of the estate. To date, the national property controls have produced estate cost reductions of around £50 million. As the estate reduces in size, retained buildings will be utilised more intensively wherever possible. This reduction of property in London and elsewhere could see posts being relocated to areas close to London, and where there is a strong business case, to other parts of the country.