Recommendation 3

Successful delivery of the Programme is heavily reliant on many factors which are still uncertain. The Programme is at an early stage and there are many uncertainties yet to be addressed. The Sponsor Body and Palace authorities have limited information on the structural condition of the Palace. We have repeatedly seen examples where poor understanding of project requirements at the outset can lead to escalating costs. The Elizabeth Tower restoration project is now expected to cost £80 million, more than double the initial £29 million estimate, partly as a result of parliamentary estate team’s lack of understanding of the work required at the outline business case. There is likely to be waste as existing Palace maintenance projects are re-done as part of the Restoration and Renewal Programme. For example, the £140 million fire safety improvement works may be ripped out when the Palace is restored. 6 Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster Recommendation: The Sponsor Body should, within three months, provide us with a summary of the survey work planned on the Palace’s condition, including timing, and where the significant uncertainties lie.