Recommendation 28

In 2020, the NAO reported that to reduce the likelihood of previous decisions being reopened, decisions should be based on the best available evidence, be transparent and make clear the cost and timing implications of alternatives.67 We challenged the witnesses on the extent and depth of information that would be available for Parliament decide on which strategic option to take forward at the end of 2023. They recognised how parliamentarians may find it hard to make early strategic decisions without details on the cost and time for different options.68 From the responses given, we remain unclear that the information provided, including on where the Houses could move to during the works, will be sufficient for Parliament to make a decision on which option to develop into a business case.69 In terms of decant options, the Chief Executive of the Delivery Authority agreed that there were significant risks around developing decant options, and that Members would need clarity on these to engage fully with the programme. The wide range of options being considered to undertake the work would each impact the temporary accommodation differently. Decisions on the decant accommodation would soon become part of the critical path.70 Legal responsibilities of the Clerk to the Commons and Clerk to Parliament