Councillor Joe Fagan has been informed that Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) staff are now expected to remain based at Abercrombie House for longer than expected, prior to a planned move to Glasgow.

As well as those 1,000 jobs remaining in East Kilbride for longer, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) 1,760 full time equivalent employees will stay in Queensway House until 2031. HMRC has already made a long-term commitment to East Kilbride and is considering its building location options in the town post-2031.

Cllr Fagan said: “Obviously having both FCDO and HMRC staff based at the town for longer is good news for our local economy, as well as for the many people who work in those offices and live in East Kilbride.

“But I am further heartened by a further assurance that I have been given by the HMRC Chief Executive that they have a long-term commitment to the town, and that they will use their additional time in Queensway House to reconsider the merits of all the options in East Kilbride.

“In return, I commit the council to working with not only HMRC but all parts of government as they consider their future needs and locations. East Kilbride is already an established, welcoming home to different parts of the civil service and I am convinced we can build on that.”

An HMRC spokesperson said: “On Wednesday 14 August, HMRC colleagues working in East Kilbride were informed that we will be staying in Queensway House for longer than planned. As announced in January 2022, HMRC remains committed to a long-term presence in East Kilbride.

“The FCDO needs more time before moving from Abercrombie House. This enables HMRC to consider all the options for our future location in the town and secure the best value for the taxpayer.” 

The FCDO move out of Abercrombie House and into Glasgow was announced in December 2023. At that time the transfer was expected to happen before the end of 2025.

In his letter to Cllr Fagan, Sir Jim Harra, HMRC Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary said that this had now been delayed and a lease had been secured for the department to stay at Queensway House until 2031.