Civil Service to review accommodation needs

The creation of a more modern and efficient Civil Service estate came a step closer today, with plans for a market review of the upgrade of Government property in Northern Ireland.

The review will gauge the level of market interest in the delivery of a programme to improve the Civil Service estate here.

Welcoming the review, Ian Pearson, the Minister for the Department of Finance & Personnel, said: “When I announced the draft Priorities & Budget proposals in October, I made it clear that Government is committed to reducing its running costs and delivering more efficient front line public services.

“The document ‘Fit for Purpose’, which was launched with the Priorities & Budget proposals, is our blueprint for change. It sets out how the Civil Service will streamline itself to meet the challenge of delivering cost-effective services, while upgrading its accommodation needs to 21st century standards.”

The Plan sets out how the Civil Service will be able to accommodate its staff in a smaller, more efficient estate and achieve savings through the disposal of surplus and poor quality accommodation.

It is hoped that this will be achieved through the introduction of a “flexible, modern office environment”, which draws on best practice across the public and private sectors.

The market review, often known as a “soft market testing exercise”, will examine a range of procurement approaches, but will have a focus on establishing whether a PFI type of contract similar to PRIME and STEPS might be feasible in Northern Ireland.

A limited list of property market players within Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will be approached for their views.

(MB/SP)