Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 27
27
On 18 March, the Commissions issued a joint statement setting out nine parameters to guide...
Conclusion
On 18 March, the Commissions issued a joint statement setting out nine parameters to guide forthcoming decisions. This included considering further options to undertake work without decanting and looking at doing work over a shorter period. The statement reaffirmed the Commissions’ commitment to health and safety.69 The Clerk of the House and the Delivery Authority Chief Executive told us they have re-opened the scope and approach to the works by starting to consider other ways to restore and renew the Palace. This includes switching to a series of ‘agile’ projects.70 The Chief Executive of the Delivery Authority told us they had been asked to look at a completely different set of options.71 In June 2022, the Commissions endorsed the independent expert panel’s recommendation to develop and agree a long-term vision and outcomes for the Programme.72 Managing interdependent programmes
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Delivery Authority should progress the intrusive surveys during the summer to determine what the asbestos removal plan should be, including whether it is safe to remain in the Palace whilst these works take place. The Sponsor Body CEO and the Delivery Authority CEO accept this recommendation. Target implementation date: This recommendation is already being implemented, with plans for commencing intrusive surveys on track to start in July 2022. The plans for commencing intrusive surveys in the upcoming recess periods, which will continue to run over the next few years, are on track to start in July 2022. These surveys will provide the Delivery Authority with key structural and ground condition information as well as adding to the existing records of asbestos. This additional information will provide further details on the quantity, type and location of asbestos in the areas being surveyed. Determining how asbestos will be treated within the future R&R works, and implications for safe working zones, will be significantly influenced by the scale and scope of the programme which will be subject to future decisions by the Houses. A range of options for future programme scope, and approaches to how works will be delivered, are currently being developed to inform those decisions. The risks in relation to the House of Commons remaining in the Palace during the works were outlined within the Continued Presence Impact Study published in February 2022.