Today I urged Ministers to meet with Council officials to prevent the closure of the Business Department’s Sheffield office. 

In Parliament I highlighted the £2.5 million cost savings that would be made if the Business, Innovation and Skills Department drops its plan to close the Sheffield office at St Paul’s Place. I suggested that Ministers meet with officials at Sheffield City Council to devise an alternative plan for the Department, ensuring the high-level jobs stay in the city.

Speaking in Parliament, I said: 

I thank the Minister for confirming that no final decision will be made before the end of the 90 day consultation period. The chief executive of Sheffield City Council has written to the Permanent Secretary pointing out that moving 247 jobs from Sheffield to London will add around £2.5 million to the annual operating costs of the Department and has offered to work with him to look at alternatives. Will the Department take up this offer before the final decision is made?

The Government’s proposed closure makes no sense. It will cost more, reduce expertise, and further concentrate decision-making in London. I’ll keep pressing the government to meet to consider how they can save money by staying in Sheffield. It’s the right decision for our city, for the quality of decision-making and for the country’s public finances.