§ Mr. HepburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many staff will be relocated from his Department's offices in Hebburn; [146993]
1413W(2) how many people will be employed at replacement sites for work previously undertaken at his Department's offices in Hebburn; [146994]
(3) where the replacement sites for the Department's offices in Hebburn will be located; and what the cost of relocation will be. [146995]
§ Maria EagleInland Revenue (IR) is the major occupier of the Reyrolle Building, Hebburn with around 400 staff, and also manages the contract. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rent space at Hebburn to accommodate around 60 staff from Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) and The Pension Service.
IR extended the lease on the building until 2006 to provide temporary accommodation for IR and DWP due to the ongoing redevelopment of the Longbenton estate and it will be available for occupation until then.
DWP Estates are looking at alternative accommodation within the area for DWP staff currently working in Hebburn. Staff are being consulted and factors such as accessibility, local facilities and public transport links will be taken into account.