Joint statement from the House of Lords and House of
Commons Commissions
Members of the Commons and Lords Commissions have approved a new
approach for how the programme to restore and renew the Palace of
Westminster should be governed and delivered.
This new approach prioritises:
- the commencement of safety-critical works as soon as
possible;
- ensuring maximum value for money, especially in the current
economic climate; and
- establishing a governance structure that is receptive to
Parliament’s requirements as a working legislature and is
accountable to Parliament.
The proposals are set out in the report and it is the intention
that they will be put to Members of both Houses for debate and
decision before the summer recess.
This new approach builds on the decisions made jointly by the
Commissions in March and is informed by advice from an
independent panel with expertise and significant experience in
conservation of historic buildings, health and safety and major
infrastructure projects.
The Commissions are united by a deep sense of responsibility to
secure the future of this special place, while keeping the people
who visit and work within it safe. In light of this commitment,
the Commissions have agreed that the programme of works should
initially focus on the following priority areas:
- Fire safety and protection
- Replacement of mechanical, electrical, drainage and plumbing,
and data and communications systems
- Asbestos management and wider health and safety issues
- Conservation of the building fabric including stonework.
Subject to agreement of the Commissions’ recommendations by the
two Houses, the programme will develop options, guided by the
R&R Delivery Authority, which will include a variety of ways
in which the works can be delivered, including minimising the
time and extent to which Members and staff are asked to move out
of the Palace and different levels of ambition for the works.
This new approach proposes that a new vision for the programme is
agreed, but that the strategy for delivering the works is
reviewed periodically to allow for changes in priorities and
requirements.
Members of both Houses will be invited to consider the joint
Commission recommendation that the R&R Sponsor Body and Board
be replaced and this client function brought in-house, as a new
joint department of both Houses.
The Commissions have endorsed a new two-tier oversight structure
which integrates the governance of the R&R programme into the
existing governance structures in Parliament but which will
maintain the independence of the Delivery Authority.
Under the proposed structure the two Commissions will jointly
have oversight of the programme. They have proposed delegating
authority to an R&R Programme Board which will combine
parliamentary representation with independent major project and
heritage conservation expertise. As part of this new approach,
there will be much wider, enhanced and more meaningful engagement
with all communities within Parliament, so that the voices of
Members, their staff, parliamentary staff and the public can feed
into the next phase of the programme. The Commissions recognise
the need for political advocacy for any major public sector
project and this will be factored into the new governance
arrangements.
Subject to the approval of the two Houses to motions giving
effect to the proposals set out in the Commissions’ report before
the summer recess, the intention is that the necessary
legislative changes will be initiated in the autumn.
The Commissions extend their thanks to the Sponsor Board members
for their work to date and all those involved in this transition
period, including the members of the Independent Advice and
Assurance Panel, and teams working in the Sponsor Body, Delivery
Authority and Parliament.
The Palace of Westminster is recognisable to millions across the
world; it is a global landmark, a powerful symbol of our
democracy and a witness to the unfolding of our nation’s history.
The Commissions are committed to preserving the Palace and
keeping the people who visit and work within it safe. The
Commissions know Members share this ambition and hope they will
support the proposed changes to ensure that this precious
building is preserved for the whole nation.
