Registers enter the property market
8 Apr 05
Six Central Belt options for partial relocation under scrutiny
The Registers of Scotland agency has been examining alternative options for its location, as part of the Executive's programme of relocation reviews.
A number of areas have been shortlisted for a partial and phased move of some of its Edinburgh-based operations. Fife, Glasgow, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and West Lothian all remain under consideration.
Additionally, the agency, which currently employs over 1,400 staff at its headquarters in Meadowbank House, Edinburgh, and three other leased offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow, has been asked to examine the potential for creating small satellite centres in a small number of locations as part of the Small Units Initiative.
Each of the options will be examined in further detail with a view to recommending location options to ministers in the summer.
Registers of Scotland is currently engaged in a major change programme which will see staff numbers reduced by more than 30 per cent over the next 10 years.
Under the Executive's policy on relocation, when a new unit or agency is established, or if an existing unit is merged or otherwise reorganised, a location review is undertaken. The presumption is that it will be located outside Edinburgh. For existing bodies, where a significant property breakpoint is reached, for example the termination of a lease, a relocation review should be undertaken and options - including Edinburgh - should be considered.