Written question asked by David Lidington (Conservative) on Wednesday, 4 June 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 6 June 2008. It was answered by Iain Wright (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 June 2008 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Regional Planning and Development: Government Departments

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether it is the policy of the Government that government departments should (a) maintain and (b) increase the number of staff posts located in the four growth zones identified by her Department in its sustainable communities plan.

Answer: Staffing issues and the choice of location are matters for individual departments, taking into account their own business needs and an informed assessment of locations. In February 2006 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Office for Government Commerce and Treasury published guidance setting out how Government Departments should take account of regional economic balance considerations when choosing locations for work being transferred out of London and the South East. The guidance explains the details of how departments should reflect Government policy in the decisions they make about new locations for their business.

Secondary information