The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced plans to open a second headquarters in Birmingham and a northern hub in Leeds as part of a plan to create 650 roles in the cities.
According to the DfT, the move is part of the government’s commitment to levelling up all parts of the UK and ensuring decisions are rooted in the communities it serves.
As part of a programme to diversify the civil service, this is the latest step to move 22,000 roles from London to communities across the UK by 2030.
UK transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “This is a historic move for the department and part of a significant wider culture change across Whitehall.
“Transport is absolutely vital to the local communities we serve and having hubs in major cities like Birmingham and Leeds will offer a fresh perspective on how we can better serve these areas.”
The Birmingham headquarters will include new ministerial offices, with ministers expected to spend a significant amount of time there.
Furthermore, the creation of a northern hub in Leeds follows the confirmation that the UK’s first-ever infrastructure bank will also be based in the city.
Susan Hinchcliffe, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “This is another positive investment recognising our region’s strengths, following the decision to locate the UK infrastructure bank here, bringing benefits not just to Leeds but Bradford and the wider region.
“I hope it will help us as we make the compelling case for future investment in our transport system, to better connect our communities and raise living standards while cutting carbon emissions.”
The DfT has already begun recruiting in Birmingham and Leeds, with 100 roles created so far. This includes senior civil servant positions, which otherwise would have been based in London.
The DfT said attracting senior figures to these locations would be key to the success of this initiative.
