Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
29th Report - Condition of Government property
Public Accounts Committee
HC 641
Published 11 June 2025
Conclusions (4)
10
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The government has identified poor property condition as a significant risk. The Civil Service Board, which supports the strategic leadership of the civil service, considers unsafe property to be one of the risks to the civil service’s ability to deliver the government’s objectives, and assesses it to be outside of …
Government Response Summary
The Civil Service Board considers unsafe property to be one of the risks to the civil service’s ability to deliver the government’s objectives, and assesses it to be outside of its appetite.
11
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The NAO reported that civil service resources for other initiatives have been diverted to deal with risks relating to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) across government.18 We asked the Cabinet Office about RAAC and how it has impacted the delivery of the work. The OGP told us that resources were …
Government Response Summary
Resources were diverted to coordinate efforts across governments to identify RAAC issues and put in place mitigation plans; seven hospitals in the poorest condition were rebuilt through the New Hospital Programme, while RAAC has largely been repaired in the other less significant instances.
12
Conclusion
Acknowledged
We questioned whether government is adequately prepared to prevent future risks, similar to the sudden emergence of RAAC and asbestos, from affecting property unexpectedly. The OGP stated that it has a clear picture of RAAC and asbestos across all of government. It is now bringing together knowledge and expertise in …
Government Response Summary
The OGP is bringing together knowledge and expertise to better support departments in identifying risks, and that it is important to identify how new methods of construction bring future risks into the estate.
22
Conclusion
Acknowledged
We asked the OGP how it plans to address fluctuations in property professionals. The OGP told us it is working with departments to adjust their workforce plans. The Cabinet Office is also producing its first strategic workforce plan in summer 2025, alongside maintaining oversight of supply and demand trends.45
Government Response Summary
The OGP is working with departments to adjust their workforce plans, and the Cabinet Office is producing its first strategic workforce plan in summer 2025, alongside maintaining oversight of supply and demand trends.