Lawmakers are weighing several long-term proposals for the 19th-century Palace of Westminster, which currently requires £150m every year simply for ongoing maintenance. Potential plans under consideration include a full 24-year relocation costing up to £15.6bn, or moving only the House of Lords for 61 years at a cost of £39bn. Government whips have discussed arranging a vote on whether to authorise up to £3bn in initial restoration works, with a final project decision expected by 2030.
Key points
Legislative restrictions requiring comprehensive pre-approvals are preventing urgent main…: Legislative restrictions requiring comprehensive pre-approvals are preventing urgent maintenance and safety upgrades from taking place.
The overall restoration could span up to 61 years and carry an ultimate price tag of £40b…: The overall restoration could span up to 61 years and carry an ultimate price tag of £40bn.
A parliamentary vote to authorise an initial £3bn in renovation work remains under consid…: A parliamentary vote to authorise an initial £3bn in renovation work remains under consideration by government whips.
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The Speaker of the House of Commons has expressed "frustration" with the lack of progress on restoration to protect the Palace of Westminster.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle told the BBC the current process for approving essential renovations to Parliament amounted to "putting ourselves in handcuffs", and said more time was spent "doing surveys" than getting repairs under way.
The Commons public accounts committee this week warned it was "crunch time" for the ailing building's restoration, which could cost up to £40bn and take 61 years.
It said every additional year of delay cost taxpayers £420m, while its chairman warned the Palace could be left vulnerable to a devastating fire like that which engulfed the Notre Dame.
Sir Lindsay said his "biggest frustration" with the Victorian building's restoration was that "we're not getting on with the work".
"We spend more time doing surveys," he told BBC Radio 4's The Week in Westminster. "Instead of doing surveys, why don't we start repairing the building?"
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