Sheffield 'key policy campus' welcomed but clarity required - The Yorkshire Post says

While traditionally most civil service teams based outside of the capital have been operationally-focused, says the Cabinet Office, the aim of the campus is to “create a hub of core policy jobs, where people can advance their careers in key decision-making positions”. Figures show that 2,400 roles have moved out of London and into Yorkshire and the Humber under the Places for Growth programme, it reports, and 12,000 have been relocated out of the capital and across the UK so far. The programme will move 22,000 government roles out of London by 2030.

It is good timing, as the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee today launches a new inquiry to examine the Government’s progress on devolution. Combined with the likes of the UK Infrastructure Bank being placed in Leeds, where Channel 4 has also built a headquarters, all of these add up to improvements when it comes to national institutions understanding the region’s needs, challenges and assets. What is needed now is more further clarity on precisely how powerful these “decision-making positions” will be.

How will policy be shaped, and through what kind of research? Who will be making the final calls? If it amounts to more red tape and bureaucracy, then it should be stopped before it’s even started.