The Government has been accused of covering up costs related to Andy Burnham's Number 10 North, after refusing to release financial details.
The Prime Minister described unveiling the project, which officials say will "bring policy-making and decision-making closer to communities across the country", as the best day of his life.
Freedom of Information Request Refused
The Express submitted a Freedom of Information Request to the Cabinet Office asking how much taxpayers' money is being spent on moving staff to the building in Manchester, which will take over economic growth work from the Treasury, and on transporting the Prime Minister to and from London on a weekly basis.
The newspaper also asked about the cost of any extra police and security presence and where it is from.
National Security Cited
The department cited Section 24(1) (National Security) and Section 31(1)(a) (prevention of crime) of the Freedom of Information Act, suggesting the answers could not be given for security reasons.
This is despite acknowledging that there is a public interest in releasing information about Government spending.
Reform UK Criticism
Reform UK has criticised the decision. A spokesperson for Nigel Farage's party said: "This is exactly the kind of secrecy taxpayers are sick of."
"Ministers told us No. 10 North would cost nothing extra, and now they won't even publish the figures."
"When politicians hide the true cost of vanity projects from taxpayers, they show contempt for the people footing the bill."
An FOI officer wrote: "In favour of release, I recognise that there is a general public interest in openness and transparency on Government spending."
"This has to be weighed against the stronger public interest in preserving the security and integrity of Government sites, including the No10 North estate."
"Information on any aspects of the security of our sites is classified in the interests of national security, and, as such, cannot be divulged."
They added: "In line with the practice followed by successive Administrations, the Government does not comment on security matters."
"Anything released into the public domain about the security information in place greatly helps those who would wish to know it for malicious purposes."
"In addition, it would not be in the public interest to release information pertaining to the security of our sites in that it would prejudice the security of UK personnel."
Even though the release of individual pieces of information "may seem innocuous in themselves", the Government argued, they "could provide insight into the provision of security and give potential adversaries tools to commit malicious activity".
