Wolverhampton will become a second home for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced that the MHCLG, which he is in charge of, would set up a second headquarters in his home city as part of the government’s ‘levelling up agenda’.

At least 500 civil servants will be working in the department’s new centre by 2025, with further recruitment planned by 2030.

Jenrick commented: “As communities secretary, I am determined to spread opportunity and prosperity to every part of our nation. That is why I am delighted to be taking the historic step of moving significant numbers of senior roles out of Whitehall and creating the first ever ministerial office outside of Westminster in Wolverhampton – increasing the jobs in the Midlands to over 500.

“With a dual headquarters in Wolverhampton my department will not only change where we work but how we work, signalling the end of the Whitehall knows best approach. All of us at the department are looking forward to having the opportunity to work there.

“This government knows that by having more local voices at the heart of our policy development and delivery, we will support our communities more effectively, and we will continue to develop greater career options in government outside of London.

“In choosing the city of Wolverhampton we are also backing our great smaller cities, some of which have been neglected for too long. We want to raise their stature, encourage civic pride and commercial success.”