Plan to move government roles out of Westminster brought forward

The government have brought forward a target to move 22,000 government roles out of London to 2027 instead of 2030.

Recently released figures show that 16,061 roles have already been moved out of London, which exceeds to target to move 15,000 roles by 2025.

It has also been revealed that Aberdeen, Darlington and Greater Manchester are to host second headquarters for major departments. Darlington will house the Treasury's second headquarters and a second headquarters for Department of Business and Trade. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will have a second home in Greater Manchester.

Aberdeen has also been chosen as the location of a second headquarters of the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.

Scottish secretary Alister Jack said: "It’s great news that the UK Government’s Department for Energy and Net Zero is opening a second headquarters in Aberdeen.

"It demonstrates clearly the UK Government’s commitment to the North East of Scotland and to our oil and gas and renewables sectors. They both have a vital role in ensuring our energy security and assisting with our transition to net zero. The UK Government will continue to support these industries."

It has also been confirmed that Wrexham will home 300 extra roles.

Estimates have shown that £30 million in economic benefits are generated per 1,000 roles relocated due to increased footfall and spending from staff.

Minister for the Cabinet Office John Glen said: "We are taking the long term decisions to move government roles out of London so more people from our great towns and cities can play a direct role in changing this country for the better.

"We have already gone above and beyond our targets, bringing the best talent from every corner of the UK into government roles, to make our civil service more efficient and representative of the wider public."

Secretary of state for science, innovation and technology Michelle Donelan said: "Greater Manchester is steeped in a legacy of technological progress, rooted in the Industrial Revolution and long home to scientific pioneers like Alan Turing and Ernest Rutherford.

"By establishing our second headquarters here, we not only tap into a pool of exceptional talent but also ensure that policymakers responsible for the growth of science and technology live and work alongside a dynamic community of sci-tech leaders.

"It is important that the people we serve are placed at the heart of government and that policymakers represent the diversity of our communities. That is why the Places for Growth commitment is so vital in helping to ensure that we can grow our economy and deliver on the Prime Minister’s priorities."