With localism and public sector cuts high on the political agenda a North East property company has called on the Government to live by its own words – and move to save cash and jobs. The company says that by closing the doors of the House of Commons and relocating, the Government could make massive savings on the cost of running the establishment. Figures provided by the House of Commons show that it costs a staggering £208,000,000 per year for the eight acres of accommodation, operating costs and security, not including MPs salaries or administration costs.

House of Commons for sale

Marchday the company behind the idea say it wants to put the House of Commons up for sale on behalf of the people of England – saving hundreds of jobs in the process. Marchday happens to own a huge 107 acre development Lingfield Point in Darlington, County Durham and could offer the Government a great deal at a fraction of the price. But to take advantage of it MPs would also have to be prepared to accept the advice of MP Iain Duncan Smith and move to follow the jobs.

John Orchard, of Marchday (which also owns New Lodge in Windsor and Cavendish Square in Central London) said:

“The Palace of Westminster functions as a giant office space with meeting rooms and chambers.

“It is very costly to run and maintain. Obviously there are cheaper places to be based – for example Lingfield Point – which is an award-winning sustainable business park that offers everything needed to run the country efficiently and cost effectively.

“Ok, this is a tongue-in-cheek poke at the Government but with several serious points behind it. For example in the past few years the Government has commissioned two reports into devolving civil service jobs to the regions, the Lyons Report and the Smith Review, the Lyons Report alone cost £2.22m and yet very little changed as a result

“News reports earlier this week made it clear how hard some of the poorest areas of England will be hit by the planned spending cuts and this is a great opportunity to resurrect this idea.

“The Government is asking everybody else to face the harsh realities that cuts will bring – it needs to take a top-down lead by example approach.
Office space at Lingfield Point is available at £10 per sq ft compared to the average of £35 per sq ft in London. The North East has a work-ready army of skilled people and logistical and transport links to Europe that are the best in England.

“This isn’t about making political points – it is a moral issue – we want the people in charge to think about the human cost of the proposals on the table and how easily some of the effects could be mitigated,” said Mr Orchard.

John Orchard at the Houses of Parliament

MP for Darlington Jenny Chapman supported Lingfield Point’s stance and said:

“The Government should listen to John Orchard.  David Cameron wants people to get on the bus to find work and I want them to come to Darlington.  We’ve got great schools, excellent transport links and great value real estate.  Darlington is a top place to do business and could save you money.   John says this is tongue in cheek, but I say the Government should listen up.”