A report by Suffolk County Council has revealed that three of its main office buildings are suffering from under-occupancy.
Space in as much as 40% of council offices in Ipswich – Endeavour, Landmark and Constantine Houses – are empty, according to a report placed before the local authority by cabinet member for finance, Richard Smith.
The study comes ahead of a potential office move for two district councils – Mid-Suffolk and Babergh DCs – which could see them moving into alternative accommodation in a bid to make efficiency savings, including a move to Endeavour House.
The report did however also state in some areas fewer than 20% of desks were empty, and the council would look at preparing plans to ‘change the ways buildings are occupied and used with a view to increasing usage to the levels approaching those of the better performing areas’.
Plans for the district council merger have been discussed for some time, and the report on empty space would appear to lead the way to shared offices.
Speaking on the proposed merger, leader of Barbergh DC, Jennie Jenkins said it was part of the modernisation of the district councils.
She said: 'The world of government and the public service sector is being transformed by technology, new ways of working and a challenging financial environment.
'Standing still is not an option. The decision before councillors is to ensure services are better for residents, simpler for staff and more cost effective for taxpayers.'
Cllr Glen Horn, deputy leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: 'The current ways the public access the council’s services are antiquated, confusing, difficult and bureaucratic.
'Therefore the status quo is not an option.'
