THE idea is sound. Relocate a quarter of Government jobs out of the capital into the regions. Loosen London's governing grip on the rest of the kingdom.

The suggestion that these jobs go to the likes of Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough also makes sense - in theory. If anywhere should benefit from the economic boost of these relocations, it is the deprived inner cities of the North.

In practice, of course, it will not wash. We do not doubt property consultant King Sturge has compiled all the necessary house price, employment and wage data to back up its recommendations.

What King Sturge has not taken into account, however, is that jobs are not statistics. They are people.

Opinionated, resolute and organised people at that. These civil servants are already facing massive disruption as they are uprooted from homes and friends. Many will not take kindly to the suggestion they also become part of a vast social engineering experiment.

Their voices, rather than that of a property consultant, are ultimately what will count.

That puts York, with its wonderful environment and desirable quality of life, right back in the frame.

And there are other good reasons for choosing our city too, especially for the policy-making and science jobs. With the Science Park and university, York has established a reputation as a leading light in technology and policy development.

We have already successfully welcomed other Government departments, most notably what is now the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at King's Pool.

These are all solid reasons for believing York is still in the race for these government posts. And that is good news, because any relocation will create wealth and strengthen the economy to the benefit of existing residents.

Updated: 10:00 Tuesday, February 03, 2004