Westminster delays cost taxpayers £420m each year, committee warns
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle criticizes the slow pace of repairs, noting that legislative requirements delay essential work on the ailing Victorian building.
By Fatou Mitchell ·
The public accounts committee warned this week that every year of delay in restoring the Palace of Westminster costs taxpayers £420m. The group described the situation as 'crunch time' for the building, which faces a potential restoration bill of up to £40bn over 61 years. The chairman of the committee cautioned that further delays could leave the structure vulnerable to a fire similar to the one that damaged the Notre Dame cathedral.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, voiced his frustration with the current pace of work in an interview with BBC Radio 4. He stated that the process of approving essential renovations effectively puts the institution 'in handcuffs.' Hoyle noted that officials spend more time conducting surveys than actually performing repairs, describing this focus as his 'biggest frustration.' He argued that the current legislation prevents major repairs from starting until Parliament approves the entire project's scope and funding.
The Speaker also highlighted a gap in fire safety measures, questioning why a mist suppression system had not yet been installed throughout the building. He pointed out that the most historic sections of the Palace lack this protection, despite his long-standing calls for its introduction. Hoyle emphasized the need to address these problem areas immediately rather than waiting for a comprehensive plan.
Background reports indicate that much of the building's wiring and piping dates back to the 1940s or the Victorian era. An external report from a decade ago warned of an 'impending crisis' regarding the structure's condition. Fire safety issues and high levels of asbestos have been identified as key concerns in the assessment of the building's infrastructure.
Government whips have discussed holding a debate and vote on the restoration strategy by the new year, though no specific date has been set. This vote would determine whether to proceed with initial works estimated at up to £3bn. It would also narrow down four current options for the long-term restoration plan. A final decision on the overall approach is expected by 2030.
One proposed option involves moving both the House of Commons and the House of Lords out of the site for up to 24 years starting in 2032. This plan would cost up to £15.6bn. Another option requires only the House of Lords to vacate the building. That approach would cost £39bn and take 61 years to complete. The body in charge of the refurbishment has defended the expenses, noting that it is currently spending £150m annually to keep the building standing.
