DfT will create a second HQ in Birmingham and a northern hub in Leeds, as part of plans to diversify the civil service and create 650 new roles in the cities
Expanding DfT’s presence in the Midlands and the North will boost local economies as government builds back better from Covid-19.
It is the latest step in the government’s drive to move 22,000 civil service roles from London to communities across the UK by 2030.
‘A historic move’
Grant Shapps, transport secretary, said: “This is a historic move for the department and part of a significant wider culture change across Whitehall.
“Transport is absolutely vital to the local communities we serve and having hubs in major cities like Birmingham and Leeds will offer a fresh perspective on how we can better serve these areas.”
Chris Heaton-Harris, transport minister, commented: “Our department has a key role to play in this government’s drive to level up across the country.
“Having hundreds more roles based outside of London will not only bring an economic boost for Birmingham and Leeds, but also ensure we are delivering the changes people around the country want.”
The HQ in Birmingham will include new ministerial offices, with ministers expected to spend a significant amount of time.
The news of DfT creating a northern hub in Leeds comes on the back of the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, this month, also confirming that the UK’s first-ever infrastructure bank will also be based in the city.
DfT has already begun recruiting in Birmingham and Leeds, with 100 roles created so far.
The government is also announcing that half of senior civil service roles will be located outside of London by 2030.
The announcement will bring economic benefits, with new spending power of those civil servants working in and around the areas outlined. £65m has been allocated for the overall Government hubs programme from 2021 to 2022 for office works and improvements.
