To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many of her Department’s staff are based in her Department’s central London offices. (187330)

On 31 January 2008 66 per cent. of the staff in Communities and Local Government were based in central London offices. This figure includes Communities staff who work in the Government Office network. Information for our Executive Agencies is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the running costs for her Department’s central London offices were in 2007-08; and what they are budgeted to be in each of the next four years. (187332)

The running costs for Communities and Local Government’s central London offices in 2007-08 are forecast to be £47,520,156. At present the planned expenditure for 2008-09 is £41,836,460, however this is under active review since we are looking at options for further rationalisation of our estate. In addition we have a rent review pending which will impact the operating costs in later years.

The figures given represent gross expenditure and do not reflect receipts from other building occupants.

The answer does not include IT and telephony costs or costs for the Government Office for London.