MPs will decide next year on what option to take for major repairs works at the Palace of Westminster.

On 11 January 2018, the House of Commons will debate on how best to carry out significant repairs works at the Palace.

In a report last year, the Joint Committee stated the Grade 1-listed Palace 'faces an impending crisis' unless major works are carried out.

MPs said there is a substantial and growing risk of either a single, catastrophic event, such as a major fire, or a succession of incremental failures in essential systems, which would lead to Parliament no longer being able to occupy the Palace.


The Government has indicated three likely options for the scheme are available;

• Full move out – both Houses move out of the Palace for the duration of the works

• Partial move out – one House will move out at a time

• A foothold is retained in Parliament, for example in Westminster Hall, during the works

The Government's motion, which is yet to be published, is expected to allow for a sponsor board and delivery authority to be established, to oversee and deliver the Programme and consider the options for how the work could be delivered.

Once the risks, costs and benefits of the options have been explored, and if both the Commons and Lords agree with the Sponsor Board's recommended option following a further vote, the Government has indicated the chosen option will then be taken forward to the design and delivery phase.

Image: Condition of the cast iron roof, which is now being repaired to make the building watertight ahead of the main programme of works (© UK Parliament).

(LM/MH)