In yesterday’s debate on Jobs and Growth, Bassetlaw MP, John Mann called for government departments to move out of London as a cost saving plan to help reduce the deficit.

In his speech John Mann said “housing costs nine times as much in London as in Bassetlaw. I am not suggesting that a major Department should move to Bassetlaw—although we have the land—but there are Sheffield, Leeds, Nottingham and many other places. Let us see the Department for Culture, Media and Sport shifted to Manchester with the BBC. Let us see the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills shifted. Let us see the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs shifted. Let us see huge Departments, in their entirety, shifted out to the regions of England. That would give a boost to economic growth and bring permanent savings to the Exchequer.”

Commenting on his contribution to the debate John Mann said “it was good to hear my proposal being backed by colleagues from across the House and I trust that the Government will listen to our calls.  Yesterday’s announcement on the unemployment figures will be worrying for areas like ours and if government departments were to shift out of London this would be a very welcome as it will help give them the strength to deal with the economic problems we are currently having to face”.