§ Helen JonesTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the projected increase in travelling expenses which would result from the transfer of caseworkers from the Warrington Valuation Office to Liverpool and Manchester; [6268]
(2) what estimates he has made of the extra cost per annum of accommodation and parking in Liverpool and Manchester, arising from the transfer of the work of the Warrington Valuation Office to these locations; [6269]
(3) what estimate he has made of the capital value of the building currently housing the Warrington Valuation Office; [6270]
(4) what estimate he has made of the costs of necessary refurbishment works on the Warrington Valuation Office; [6271]
611W(5) what is the annual income generated by the Warrington Valuation Office. [6272]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 3 July 1997]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Acting Chief Executive of the Valuation Office Agency. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Peter Upton to Helen Jones, dated 10 July 1997:
In your questions to the Chancellor (ref 6268–6272) you ask for information concerning the proposed closure of the Warrington Valuation Office and I have been asked to reply direct to you.
Question Answer What is the projected increase in travelling expenses which would result from the transfer of caseworkers from the Warrington Valuation Office to Liverpool and Manchester? From the estimates that have been made covering the overall office closure programme, the average increase in travel costs per location has been calculated at circa £20,000 per annum. This may well be reduced in practice as many caseworkers undertake journeys to clients and customers direct from home. What estimates have been made of the extra cost per annum of accommodation and parking in Liverpool and Manchester when transferring the work of the Warrington Valuation Office to these locations? There will be no additional costs of accommodation at Liverpool and Manchester as the Agency has sufficient space at these locations to absorb the staff and files/records from Warrington. Car parking will be provided in Liverpool and Manchester for essential car users at a cost of around £825 per space per annum and £1100 respectively but the closure of the Warrington office reduces the Agency's overall running cost. What estimate has been made of the capital value of the building currently housing the Warrington Valuation Office? It is considered that the freehold building and site can be sold for a significant capital sum which will benefit the public purse. The final price will be determined just prior to any sale and may be subject to commercial confidentiality particularly if it is disposed of by auction or tender. What estimate has been made of the costs of necessary refurbishment works on the Warrington Valuation Office? To bring the Warrington accommodation up to modern standards it is estimated that the cost will be around £400,000 based on similar refurbishments recently undertaken by the Agency. What is the annual income generated by the Warrington Valuation Office? For 1996–97 the income from the Warrington Valuation Office was £1.92 million and it is anticipated that this income will be maintained or exceeded following the proposed restructuring proposals. I trust you will find the above information useful.