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<p>At the time of the last General Election the central Government estate was far
larger than required and taxpayers were paying to maintain, run and rent properties
which were under-occupied while other part of the freehold estate remained vacant.</p><p>The
Government Property Unit has been supporting departments to rationalise rapidly the
Government's estate including by taking a whole of Government view of property. Since
the 2010 General Election over £1.25 billion has been raised by selling surplus freehold
properties. Through the exiting of property across the central civil estate, we have
also delivered cumulative, gross run rate savings of over £454 million per annum.</p><p>Where
surplus property is awaiting disposal or lease end, the government looks to explore
all disposal options, including commercially sub-letting all or part of the space.
Surplus property is listed on gov.uk</p><p>There is no liability at taxpayers' expense
for business rates on any vacant Cabinet Office properties in the current financial
year.</p><p> </p>
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