Wakefield Council to close HQ to combat rising energy costs

A council is to temporarily close its historic headquarters and relocate staff and services due to the "significant" rise in energy costs.

Wakefield's County Hall will close by the start of November, which the authority said would save £200,000.

The council is predicted to overspend its budget by about £11m this year.

Councillor Darren Byford said if the authority did not act to reduce costs its annual energy bill could rise by more than £6m next year.

"Earlier this year we saw gas prices triple and electricity prices increase by 140%," he said.

"If we do nothing, the council's annual energy bill will go up from £3.3m to £9.9m so right now we believe every little will help."

County Hall, which houses the council chamber, was identified following a review as having low occupancy but high heating costs.

My Byford, who is responsible for property, said the only customer-facing service is the electoral officer and the rest is occupied by about 100 office-based staff.

​The majority of services based there will be relocated to neighbouring buildings Wakefield One and Wakefield Town Hall.

Mr Byford said the temporary closure was just one part of work being done to cut energy consumption.

"We are looking at how we use, manage and heat all our estate as well as asking staff to take all possible measures to help us reduce energy use in all our buildings."

He said the move would ensure residents were not affected and the council would be able to maintain services.

The building, which opened in 1898 and was refurbished in 1991, will be maintained with a low-level of heating throughout winter.

Tony Homewood, leader of Wakefield Council's Conservative Group, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he was "surprised and disappointed" by the move.

"County Hall is the home of Wakefield Council," he said.

"It is a beautiful old building but unfortunately it has a very antiquated heating system and costs a fortune to run.

"We will see if this decision is justified as we move forward. Whether temporary becomes permanent, we will see in due course."

The move comes as the council agreed to offer a £3.5m package of support for residents to help with soaring energy bills.

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