4 days ago
HMRC set to close Bradford office in 2027 - with staff offered jobs in Leeds
POLITICIANS have expressed "deep disappointment" and called for a "serious rethink" after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) confirmed it was pushing ahead with plans to close its office in Bradford - with staff set to be offered jobs in Leeds.
Back in 2015, HMRC announced its Centenary Court site would shut in 2020-21 - but then a U-turn was made, with officials saying the base would close in 2027.
The Telegraph & Argus has now learned HMRC plans to go ahead and shut its Bradford office in January 2027. Approximately 1,100 people work there.
The news was revealed this week to Bradford East Labour MP Imran Hussain in a letter from HMRC chief executive John-Paul Marks, who said: "Colleagues currently based in Bradford will be offered a job in Leeds regional centre and we expect the vast majority of colleagues to continue their career with HMRC."
He added: "In addition to financial savings, HMRC's locations strategy is enabling HMRC to operate from a cost-effective estate to better meet the needs of the public."
A spokesperson for HMRC added: "We're moving staff to our modern regional centre in Leeds, in line with previously announced plans, so they can work in an environment that enables them to better meet the needs of the public.
"It will also save taxpayers' money.
"We remain committed to the region, with all 1,100 roles remaining in West Yorkshire."
It is understood workers at Bradford's HMRC site were notified of the news on Wednesday.
'We need a serious rethink'
Mr Hussain told the T&A: "Bradford is one of the UK's largest cities and should not be treated as a secondary location within West Yorkshire.
"Assuming that staff can simply relocate to Leeds ignores the very real challenges many - especially long-serving, highly-skilled employees - will face.
"While HMRC has indicated that jobs will remain in the region via relocation to Leeds, this plan misses the opportunity to invest in Bradford's potential and disregards the significant public investment already committed to regenerating the city.
Imran Hussain, Bradford East Labour MP (Image: Parliament) "This decision risks draining talent from HMRC, damaging local employment, and undermining confidence in the public sector's commitment to Bradford.
"We need a serious rethink - one that puts Bradford's people and future first.
"While I understand that the decision to close the Bradford office was made under the previous Government, it doesn't align with the Government's 'opportunities for all' agenda.
"Bradford is precisely the kind of city that 'opportunities for all' was meant to support - and withdrawing a major public sector employer undermines that objective."
Mr Hussain has now written to James Murray, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, to express his "deep concern" - criticising the move as "disappointing and highly disruptive".
He said he wanted to "make a last plea to pause the decision and to reconsider this approach".
"I hope you can engage meaningfully with local stakeholders to explore alternative options that would retain HMRC's presence in Bradford," he added.
"I would be happy to meet with you to discuss the Government's wider plans on locating Government offices in Bradford."
'Bradford has a lot to offer'
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, told the T&A she had also written to the minister - saying the Bradford district has "a lot to offer".
She said: "We campaigned against the last Government's decision to take good, valuable jobs out of the district and consolidate HMRC staff into fewer offices elsewhere.
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council (Image: Newsquest) "But the last Government still said no.
"So it's very disappointing to see HMRC finally close their doors and go. "Many private sector organisations and businesses have chosen to locate in Bradford district and there's no reason why we, as one of the biggest cities in the country, can't host other Government initiatives, programmes or departments. "Given the strongly stated intention from this new Government to put more in the regions outside London, I've written to the minister requesting a discussion on which opportunities might be available for Bradford in the future.
"We have a lot to offer."
