Summary

The Palace of Westminster (the Palace) requires extensive restoration to address serious risks and priority improvements, including deteriorating mechanical and electrical systems, fire safety issues, the presence of asbestos and the condition of the historic fabric. In 2013, both Houses of Parliament established the Restoration and Renewal Programme (the Programme) to address these concerns. In 2019, Parliament passed the Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Act 2019 (The Act). The Act sets out arrangements for delivering the Programme, including establishing new bodies, defining their functions and governance, and setting the funding approval process. The Client Board’s costed proposals provide Parliament with the information it needs to decide on how to proceed, and the phase one works are a sensible approach to keeping the Programme moving forward while longer term plans are developed. The value-for-money of the Programme will depend on Parliament’s ability to provide sustained direction and make timely decisions. It is imperative that this is supported by governance arrangements that are clear on who is accountable and who has authority to act, in order to maintain the effectiveness of, and confidence in, the Programme.