Civil servants based in London have been offered relocation packages to encourage a move to the North of England, marking a significant step in decentralizing government operations. This initiative is tied to the establishment of the new "No. 10 North," a northern branch of Downing Street. Sources indicate that this new entity has already begun operations.

The establishment of No. 10 North is part of a broader strategy to rebalance power and economic influence away from London. The Northern branch of Downing Street will reportedly be overseen by Cabinet Minister Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State. She is expected to lead a new Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet (OPMC), which will consolidate control over key governmental decision-making bodies, including Downing Street itself, No. 10 North, and teams within the Cabinet Office.

Baroness Angela Smith, Leader of the House of Lords, announced the changes, stating that No. 10 North is intended to be a "dominant driver of the UK's economy." The initial location for No. 10 North is understood to be Heron House in central Manchester, a building that also houses offices for the intelligence service GCHQ. Specialist police officers have been observed guarding the premises, suggesting the sensitive nature of the operation.

Looking ahead, the long-term base for No. 10 North is planned to be a new government Digital Campus currently under construction in the Ancoats area of Manchester. However, this facility is not expected to be completed before 2032. A recent report by the Re:State think tank, with which Prime Minister Andy Burnham was previously involved, offers a blueprint for the campus and its operations, including a proposed recruitment plan.

The think tank's report suggests employing around 300 staff within 18 months, drawing new hires from Greater Manchester and the wider North of England. The plan involves transferring teams from Whitehall departments such as the Treasury, Cabinet Office, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Notably, ministers currently leading these departments represent constituencies in the North of England.

This move aligns with long-standing government efforts to relocate civil service roles out of London. Last year, a target was set to reduce the number of civil service positions in the capital by 12,000. Current figures show that 19.6% of all civil servants are based in London, a percentage that has been gradually decreasing over the past four years. The proportion of senior civil servants outside London stands at 13.5%, compared to 34.7% in the capital.

Officials willing to relocate to Manchester have been informed of the availability of relocation packages. It is also anticipated that there will be a significant movement of staff from Prime Minister Andy Burnham's former team at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), with at least three senior figures reportedly considering the move.

While the ambition is to rebalance power and stimulate economic growth in the North, questions remain about the practicalities of such a large-scale relocation and its long-term impact on both civil service efficiency and regional economies. The timeline for the Digital Campus completion also highlights the interim nature of the Heron House location.