Recommendation 6

The rationale for the creation of the Government Property Agency was that by taking over the management of all government office buildings it would lead to co- ordinated decision-making and efficiency savings. But with the departments with the biggest office estates remaining outside the GPA’s control, the Government is potentially missing out on opportunities to bring together different public bodies and optimise the location of its office estate. To help ensure joined up decision- making across government, it should be a requirement for every accounting officer, before approving any major property consolidation or relocation proposal, to obtain assurance that their officials have explored opportunities to co-ordinate location and design decisions with the Government Property Agency, in its management of the office portfolio. The Cabinet Office should work with HM Treasury to develop this guidance for accounting officers, and write to us within six months to confirm the results.