Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Acknowledged
£270 million spent, with a pilot project planned to address uncertainties and engage public.
Conclusion
To date, the Delivery Authority has spent £270 million, with much of this on developing the previous schemes and preparing the business case prior to the programme being paused in 2022. It is now developing a wider range of options for how restoration and renewal will be undertaken.48 In response to uncertainty, the Delivery Authority is undertaking work to identify a discrete part of the Palace where it could conduct a pilot project. This would be a way to learn about the multiple challenges work would face, and the Clerk of the House felt could also support attempts to engage parliamentarians and the general public in terms of, ‘winning hearts and minds’ by being able to show a before and after picture.49 44 Q q 46, Q47 45 Q55 46 C&AG’s report, Palace of Westminster Restoration and Renewal Programme, HC 315, Session 2019–2021, 24 April 2020 47 Q 57 48 Q 44 49 Q 113 Restoration & Renewal of the Palace of Westminster – 2023 Recall 15 2 Transparency & accountability Transparency over progress and decision-making
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the work on a potential R&R pilot, stating that principles have been agreed and potential projects are being developed and assessed for consideration by the Client Board in the autumn.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Second bullet – potential ‘R&R pilot’ A set of principles for early (or pilot) R&R projects has been agreed with the Client Board. Some potential projects have been suggested to the Client Board and feedback has been received. These potential projects will be further developed, assessed and reviewed with inhouse teams so that the early estimates of costs, timescales, and pros and cons of each can be considered by the Client Board in the autumn. Members will be kept informed through the regular R&R updates and publication of the strategic case.