Changing the way Leeds City Council works in future

Proposals to completely change the way Leeds City Council works in future will go before the authority’s ruling executive board next week.

Councillors will be presented with a report on a project called ‘changing the workplace’ on Friday (12th).

It sets out how the authority could adapt in future to better meet the demand for the services it provides.

The report includes proposals about further developing new ways of working and how resources might be used differently.

One aspect is office space. Currently, the council has 14 buildings in the centre of Leeds with almost 4000 members of staff spread across them.

The plans include reducing the number of buildings the authority occupies to five and cutting the amount of office space by a quarter.

In addition, the council is proposing to find enough office space – in one single location – to house the majority of its city centre staff.

The proposals would also see more employees working from home and away from the office, supported by modern technology, including voice over internet (VOIP) calling, with remote and secure access to the council’s IT network.

It is estimated as much as £87 million pounds (at today’s prices) could be saved over 25 years by working in new ways and reducing the council’s office accommodation, despite the investment that would be required in technology and any new building.

Efficiencies would be achieved by having one set of ‘behind the scenes’ functions such as reception, post room and security.

For staff it would mean a new approach to working, using offices much more effectively. Facilities would be shared and used flexibly. Where possible, or appropriate, staff would also be able to work from home more often.

The changes would also have a massive, positive, impact on the environment – with fewer car journeys into and out of the city centre. It’s estimated carbon emissions could be cut by up to 40 per cent.

Councillor Richard Brett, joint leader and executive board member with responsibility for resources said:

“Gone are the days where a council would have buildings full of people working from behind a desk all day.

“We need to be much more flexible in our future approach – and that means enabling more of our staff to be out and about, delivering services where they are actually needed.

“As a result it’s only right that we review the amount of office space we need.

“Reducing our property portfolio and leaving or selling buildings we no longer require will also save many millions of pounds in the coming years."

ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Andy Carter, Leeds City Council (0113) 395 0393
e-mail: andy.carter@leeds.gov.uk