Public Accounts Committee Warns of Catastrophic Fire Risk at Westminster

The Commons Public Accounts Committee warned that the Palace of Westminster faces a high risk of a catastrophic fire, comparing the potential disaster to the Notre Dame blaze. The committee attributed this risk to outdated electrical systems and delayed restoration efforts, noting that inaction adds an estimated £420 million to restoration costs annually.

Weekly maintenance bills are expected to reach £2 million, while the total cost of restoration could hit £40 billion over six decades. Despite these risks, the committee reported that members of parliament have been paralyzed by a political allergy to decision-making.

Two primary refurbishment options remain: a full decant costing £15.6 billion over 24 years, or a staged decant costing £39.2 billion over 38 to 61 years. The committee recommended that the clerks of the Commons and Lords establish a plan to engage parliamentarians within six months, simplify project governance, and form a new restoration and renewal select committee to ensure official accountability.