Nottinghamshire County Council has announced it will close eight of its offices during peak holiday periods in a bid to save energy and running costs. Eight offices will close in total between Tuesday, December 20 until Tuesday, January 3 and a two-week closure over Easter, with the dates to be confirmed.
During these periods, employees based in the buildings will either work from alternative offices or from home, in a moved expected to save £75,000. The offices that will be closed are Beeston Central, Chancery Lane, Retford, County Hall in West Bridgford, Lawn View House, Sutton in Ashfield, Meadow House in Mansfield, Newark touchdown, Thoresby House in New Ollerton and Welbeck House, Ollerton.
Officials from the authority have said council services will continue as normal during these periods and residents will not be affected. Councillor Keith Girling, cabinet member for economic development, said: “Most of our corporate offices have low occupancy during Christmas and Easter holiday periods as staff are more likely to take holiday at these times.
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“Due to the age and design of many of our buildings they cost as much to keep running for a small number of staff as they do when fully occupied, so these temporary closures are common sense, particularly in light of high energy costs. As a council, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint as well as making best use of taxpayers’ money, particularly given current budget pressures.
“Our services will continue as they would do over any holiday period, so these corporate office closures will not affect residents. Our workforce has proven how adaptable they are throughout the pandemic to be able to work flexibly and from different locations yet still deliver essential services to our communities.”
Savings from the closures mainly cover energy bills, in addition to running costs such as cleaning and rubbish collection. Corporate buildings will remain open where there is an operational need for staff to have access or where the council has a lease arrangement with partners.
Councillor Mike Adams, Environment Ambassador and Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, added: “We have a target to become a carbon-neutral council by 2030. Heating and powering our buildings make up around a third of all county council carbon emissions, and this decision will also help to reduce our impact on the environment .”
Residents who have existing appointments with council staff in December won’t be affected by these closures.
Details of how to contact the council during the Christmas break will be published on the council’s website and social media channels in the coming weeks.
The corporate buildings that will stay open are Trent Bridge House, West Bridgford, Sir John Robinson House, Daybrook, The Piazza in Annesley, Gedling View and Middle Street, Beeston. The usual public building closures on Boxing Day, 27 December and New Year’s Day will apply.
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