Preston will be retained as a long-term location in the North West for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
HMRC’s existing transitional site in Preston, at St Mark’s House and St Mary’s House, was due to close in 2025, with employees moving to the Manchester or Liverpool regional centres.
The Government department made the announcement on Wednesday 5 April, which means more than 1,000 HMRC jobs will remain in Preston for the long term.
The location for the Preston site will be announced in due course. HMRC is yet to determine whether St Mark’s House and St Mary’s House will be retained or if a new base will be established elsewhere in the city.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said: “I am pleased to announce HMRC’s long-term commitment to keeping skilled jobs in Preston.
“This latest phase in HMRC’s Locations Strategy will enable colleagues based in Preston to stay and build their careers with HMRC.
“This supports the government’s plans to promote growth and job opportunities across the UK, so we can better serve our customers.”
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HMRC’s decision was welcomed by the leader of Preston City Council councillor Matthew Brown.
He urged the revenue to consider having a new office within the city centre.
The announcement ensures that HMRC will continue to support the government’s Places for Growth programme, with the North West seeing the most roles created so far under Places for Growth and helping to deliver on one of the Prime Minister’s key promises to grow the economy.
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