So many people bought into the 'levelling up' lies and all the other slogans ... ... politics has never been admirable but this is an all time low.
I quite respect the MPs who feel aggrieved by this change in approach. Challenging and wanting explanations and alternatives is all part of how teams should operate. The tories problem, currently at least, is they seem to air it all in public, but this particular story is hardly newsworthy in my opinion. I would be confident moving people who most likely can work from home for a significant amount of time from London to Birmingham will be cost ineffective to the tax payer. If I were a civil servant I would still choose to live in London and commute when necessary. The world of work in this country has changed and wont be changed back anytime soon, seems entirely reasonable to stop the relocation costs and put that money to alternative use. There are some very good examples of levelling up initiatives close to where I live, such as Chesterfield town centre (£20m), Nottingham transport (£15m), Derby growth zone (£50m) etc. Put whatever millions it would have cost for this to something more worthwhile, like local community hubs, would be entirely sensible government for me.
It is if you're in Birmingham or Newcastle. People commuting costs time, money and effort ... ... not to mention the effect it has on the environment and the amount of family time people enjoy.
Levelling up wasn't supposed to focus entirely on mending local roads and inner city transport though was it ... ... it was sold as jobs, new industry and a future for the North. I don't think the A68 work has started, probably be binned like other promises. "Boris Johnson has branded levelling up "the greatest project that any government can embark on" in his closing speech at the Conservative Party's annual conference."
https://www.itv.com/news/2023-08-18...ldren-in-the-uk-are-living-in-extreme-poverty A national embarrassment in a country run by a tax dodger with a heated swimming pool and a multi million pound holiday home. Tackling this should be our number one priority. No parent blaming, no community blaming, no child blaming, no blaming Russia or councils. Just get the support in place and get the basics and some security to the children or we will change nothing. .
If they are remote working commuting will be minimal. The reality would be a half empty office space in Newcastle with minimal benefit to the people of Newcastle. Better whatever this money now not needed be better spent on infrastructure for the people of Newcastle in my opinion.
So, just more lies and bluster from Boris in the first place then ... ... like paying teachers a £3000 bonus to go to the bleak North East, or whatever drivel it was.
They are along the lines of Donald and Salmon Pants with their "fans fault" excuse. Blame anybody, and everything but themselves.
Probably all bluster knowing Boris. However levelling up started in 2019. Covid in 2020. Homeworking has become reality over the last 2 years or so. My assumption is it is homeworking that is a significant factor in not doing this particular project anymore, and that was not predictable so I am ok with this chanhe of tack, so long as earmarked budget goes to worthwhile projects.
Statistics like this are a disgrace and action should be straightforward. I am involved with a large local football club and I am currently talking to two local charities who support quite desperate families. I will be putting in place access to free football for them if the charity is supporting them, and we will be recycling all kit to them needed. It is a small thing and really easy to do, but hopefully makes a difference to those families and kids who can become part of the community and take part in sport, no questions asked and no judgement passed.
Why would the office space be half empty, surely the office would be the right size for the workforce.
