Crossword Genius

Government department which became vital during lockdown? (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

home office

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'government department which became vital during lockdown?' is the definition.
'home office' can be an answer for 'government department' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the remainder of the definition.

'government department' is the wordplay.
'government' becomes 'home' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'department' becomes 'office' (I've seen this before).
'home'+'office'='HOME OFFICE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for home office that I've seen is " Government department".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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