Delays in refurbishing the Houses of Parliament could cost taxpayers nearly £500 million, according to Michael Forsyth, Speaker of the House of Lords. He has urged the Government to schedule a debate to stop the 'eyewatering' and 'intolerable' delays, which are projected to reach up to £479 million next year.
Background of the Restoration Project
Since 2013, MPs have called for major restoration work on the crumbling Palace of Westminster. The building costs £1.5 million per week in repairs and maintenance for failing electrical and mechanical systems, sewage issues, and asbestos. Proposed renovations could take between eight and 61 years, with the longer option costing over £39 billion.
Forsyth's Warning and Cost Breakdown
Lord Forsyth stated that the failure to hold a debate on the makeover proposals has already cost up to £135 million. If debates are not held until December, costs could rise to £288 million. The £479 million projected for next year is over £100 million more than the cost of renovating Buckingham Palace, which took over a decade.
Sir Alan Campbell, Leader of the House of Commons, was questioned about when a debate would occur. He indicated it would not happen until a public accounts committee investigation into the proposals concludes. A Cabinet Office spokesperson said a debate would be announced 'in due course'.
Political Context and Next Steps
Marie Goldman, a Liberal Democrat MP on the Restoration and Renewal (R&R) parliament team, said 'the only path and best option is to give the go-ahead with the urgent first phase of works before something catastrophic happens.' Sources suggest the issue is unlikely to be debated before September, as the government focuses on the transition from Sir Keir Starmer to his expected successor, Andy Burnham.
If MPs decide to leave the building during construction, Commons business would move to the Northern Estate near Buckingham Palace. The current Parliament building was constructed after the Great Fire of 1834.
