Nottinghamshire County Council to close a number of its offices during peak holiday periods to reduce running costs

Nottinghamshire County Council has announced it is to close almost two-thirds of its offices during peak holiday periods to reduce energy and running costs.

With rising energy bills, it's estimated that the total savings for the taxpayer could be as much as £75,000. This mainly covers energy bills, as well as running costs such as cleaning and rubbish collection over approximately a four-week period. 

Staff based at these buildings will work at alternative buildings or from home. As a result, Council services will still continue as normal, so residents won't be affected.

The following corporate buildings will close on Tuesday 20 December 2022 and reopen on Tuesday 3 January 2023: Beeston Central, Chancery Lane in Retford, County Hall in West Bridgford, Lawn View House in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Meadow House in Mansfield, Newark touchdown, Thoresby House in New Ollerton, and Welbeck House in Ollerton. 

A further two-week closure is planned over Easter 2023, with exact dates to be confirmed. 

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 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.

"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."

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. 

For safety and security reasons, a small team will maintain the buildings over this period.

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.