Debate on government departments outside London

This debate was opened by Paul Blomfield, Labour MP for Sheffield Central.

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Text of the motion

"That this House welcomes the Government's commitment to create a public sector that reflects the diverse nature of the UK following the publication of the Bridge report, in particular its plan to take graduate recruitment outside London and to put new terms in place which make it easier for civil servants to live outside London; supports the commitment in the Budget 2016 to move civil servants out of expensive Whitehall accommodation; notes with concern the proposal by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to close its Sheffield policy office, moving 247 posts to London; and calls on the National Audit Office to conduct a cost benefit assessment of that proposal."

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