Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Rejected
Paragraph: 83
Civil service relocation not a replacement for addressing underlying pay issues
Conclusion
The stagnation of civil service pay poses challenges for retention, recruitment, and morale—and may in some cases lead to real hardship. Moving posts out of the capital, where costs of living are lower and where the Government does not pay a London premium on civil service salaries, has the potential to offer financial benefits to both the Government and its officials. Nevertheless, a large contingent of staff—especially senior posts—are always going to be required to work in London, and the Places for Growth programme will on its own do nothing for the individuals holding such roles. Civil service relocation has a role to play within the overall policy relating to civil service pay, but it should not be seen by the Cabinet Office as a replacement for addressing underlying issues.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government acknowledged that civil service pay is a difficult area, but provided no commitment to address the recommendation that relocation should not replace addressing underlying pay issues.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
83
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government · verbatim extract
Rejected
61. Places for Growth is relocating roles to join the already thriving Civil Service communities across the United Kingdom. It’s essential that local stakeholder engagement is prioritised in order to achieve the benefits of being an organisation with a truly national footprint.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗