Diane said, “Everyone will understand that having buildings which are not utilised have a cost associated with them, both in terms of rent, rates and maintenance. It is obviously sensible to have an ongoing review of the estate that is required to ensure efficient use of public money. Hybrid working is also a reality of modern life, including for the civil service, but the challenge is to make sure that it is effective for both staff and the public.
The only way to judge any policy on hybrid working and the civil service estate is through an assessment of productivity and the service delivered to the public. I am aware of concerns being raised at times about the ability to access some services with hybrid working sometimes cited as a reason for this. It is important therefore there is a proper assessment so we can know whether those anecdotal claims are backed up or not.
Whilst we were told of an HR review that is due to be completed imminently, it was assumed that the office estate would deal with any outcome or recommendations from that rather than productivity and service to the public leading the review of office accommodation.
I look forward to seeing detail of the wider assessment of hybrid working because we shouldn’t move forward based on assumptions about how it is operating. The system obviously must work and take account of the staff working within it, but that cannot be the only factor. Delivery of high-quality public services and ensuring the public’s ability to access services is equally important.