Plans to restore the crumbling Palace of Westminster could cost up to £40bn and take as long as 61 years, according to a report by the restoration and renewal client board. The home of the UK Parliament currently spends £1.5m a week on repairs, with maintenance jobs increasing by 70% between 2021 and 2024.
MPs and peers must choose between two options: a 'full decant' moving both Houses out by 2032, costing up to £15.6bn and taking 19–24 years, or a 'staged decant' vacating the Lords for 8–13 years, costing up to £39.2bn and taking 38–61 years. Initial works costing £3bn could begin in 2026 if approved.
Critics, including shadow Commons leader Jesse Norman, labelled the costs 'eye-watering' and warned of unclear governance and limited accountability. Norman criticised a proposed three-board structure, saying it could increase bureaucracy and confusion.
The report warns that the Palace's condition is critical, with 36 fire incidents, 12 asbestos incidents, and 19 stonemasonry incidents since 2016. Frequent heating failures, sewerage problems, and RAAC-related toilet closures have also occurred.
