Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what is the latest estimate of the cost of repairing and safeguarding the Palace of Westminster; and by what date he anticipates a definite decision being taken on this matter.

The R&R Client Board published the strategic case for the R&R Programme in March 2024. This sets out that three options for how to deliver the R&R works to the Palace (including full decant, continued presence and ehanced maintenance and improvement) will be developed in detail. This detailed work, which will include estimated costs and timescales as well as risks and mitigations for all three options, is expected to be presented to the Houses by the end of 2025 to enable an evidence-based decision on how best to restore the Palace.