Houses of Parliament at risk of ‘Notre Dame-style fire’ as renovation costs rise
Summary
A UK parliamentary committee warned that delays to restoring the Palace of Westminster are increasing the risks of a major fire or other disaster and driving up costs. It urged Parliament to improve planning and decision-making, while MPs consider two renovation plans that could cost £15.6bn or £39.2bn.Key Facts
- The cross-party Commons Public Accounts Committee said urgent action was needed to address risks at the Palace of Westminster.
- The building has outdated electrics, leaking roofs, plumbing failures and crumbling masonry, and it requires 24-hour fire patrols.
- Maintenance costs about £1.5m a week and are expected to rise to £2m a week.
- The report estimates each year of inaction adds £420m to the restoration programme.
- A full decant plan would move the Commons and Lords to temporary locations, take up to 24 years and cost about £15.6bn.
- A staged decant plan could take 38 to 61 years and cost about £39.2bn.
- The committee recommended that the clerks of the Commons and Lords produce an engagement plan within six months and provide stronger cost estimates and a timetable for a decision in 2030.
- The report also called for simpler governance and a new select committee to scrutinize restoration officials.
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