Map to aid Government property sell-off

THE Government has launched an interactive map to help it sell off the 4,000 pieces of property and land it owns in the North West.

Under the “Right to Contest”, announced earlier this year, the public will be able to challenge whether the land or property is being used effectively.

If the Government cannot justify a site’s use, it will be sold off.

In a statement it said the move was part of a drive to increase transparency, save money and support growth. But it is also keen to sell property it no longer uses and get out of expensive leases. Some 1,250 buildings have been vacated since 2010 which has saved £1.4bn, according to official figures.

Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said: “As part of our long-term plan for a stronger economy we are slashing our own costs and getting the most out the property we own. Since the 2010 General Election we have got out of 1,250 properties, but we need to do more.

“We want the public to use this new map and the Right to Contest to challenge us to release properties we are not using efficiently enough to cut the deficit, support growth and provide more houses.”

The map can be found at www.gov.uk/find-government-property.