DIO innovation praised by Defence Secretary
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) work to create a smaller and better estate for the UK’s Armed Forces has been praised by the Defence Secretary.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon highlighted progress made by DIO in rationalising its estate by selling off land and buildings during a speech to the Institute of Government today (WEDS).
Hundreds of millions of pounds has been raised through the disposal of surplus assets with money from sales being used to support key Defence priorities. Recent property deals have included Brompton Road Tube station in Kensington, the historic Old War Office on Whitehall and Minley Manor in Hampshire.
Mr Fallon also hailed DIO’s innovative work with its Strategic Business Partner (SBP) to drive improvements and efficiencies.
DIO announced Capita, working with URS, now a part of Aecom, and PA Consulting, as its SBP last year. The contract is expected to realise savings of £3 billion over its ten year lifetime.
A priority for DIO is the creation of the new MOD Estate Footprint Strategy which will outline ways to optimise the Defence estate in the future. A key element of the current strategy is the Army Basing Plan which will provide the facilities needed as the Army returns to the UK from Germany. It will boost the economy by investing £1.8 billion in infrastructure in the UK.
DIO’s Chief Executive Richard McCarthy said:
“DIO is working to create a smaller and better estate which is affordable, sustainable, efficient and meets the needs of our Armed Forces.
“By selling off surplus assets we are able to not only free up valuable space for homes and businesses, but also realise savings for the taxpayer.
“Our enduring commitment to estate optimisation is demonstrated through the formulation of the future Footprint Strategy which will ensure that we are providing the right buildings in the right places and creating an estate that can best and most efficiently serve our Armed Forces in the years to come.”
ENDS
Press enquiries to Emma Sloper, Communications Officer 0121 311 2400 or email Emma.Sloper100@mod.uk
DIO website: www.gov.uk/dio
Twitter: @mod_dio
Read DIO’s blog: https://insidedio.blog.gov.uk/
Note for Editors
1) The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) plays a vital role in supporting our Armed Forces by building, maintaining and servicing what the men and women who serve our country need to live, work, train and deploy on operations.
2) DIO is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is responsible for managing and maintaining land and properties, as well as providing related support services, to meet the current and future needs of the MOD and personnel at home and abroad, and to support current operations.
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