In a sweeping reform of Whitehall bureaucracy, the UK government has announced plans to relocate over 12,000 civil service jobs from central London to regional cities by the end of the decade, aiming to slash operational costs and revitalize local economies.
The relocation initiative, confirmed in a Cabinet Office statement on Wednesday, is projected to save taxpayers an estimated £94 million annually once fully implemented by 2030.
“This marks a transformative shift in how the civil service connects with the communities it serves,” said Cabinet Minister Michael Gove. “We are decentralizing power, boosting regional opportunity, and ensuring government works for all not just Westminster.”
Departments have been instructed to submit detailed relocation blueprints as part of the upcoming autumn spending review, with final decisions expected early next year. The North East, Midlands, and South West have been identified as key target zones for new government offices and inter-agency hubs.
This move builds on the “Places for Growth” programme, launched under the previous Conservative government but accelerated under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration. The current strategy not only targets fiscal efficiency but is also seen as a response to long-standing calls to reduce the geographic centralization of political power.
Critics, however, caution that mass relocation could disrupt departmental cohesion and force seasoned civil servants out of public service. “Without proper support, this risks a talent drain at a time when experienced governance is critical,” warned PCS union leader Jane Aldridge.
Despite these concerns, local leaders have welcomed the announcement, anticipating a surge in regional employment and economic activity. “This is a chance to rebalance Britain’s public sector footprint,” said Greater Manchester Mayor Aisha Khan. “We’re ready to host and grow.”
The move is also expected to reduce pressure on London’s real estate market, where government leases cost the public millions annually. The Treasury estimates that repurposing or releasing high-value central office spaces could unlock further savings and commercial opportunities.
Implementation will begin in 2026, with the first phase involving the Home Office, HMRC, and the Department for Transport.
