Whatever Happened To ... Crucial Palace of Westminster Repairs

[Psamathe]

Doesn't seem that long ago when we were repeatedly being told about the dangerous crumbling state of the Palace of Westminster. Options were cheapest if Commons & Lords relocated to Newcastle for the duration but they like their luxuary and wanted to spend loads more taxpayers money to have the works done with them in residence.

Multiple billions needed (cheap end) but it seems to have all gone very quiet. And as any homewowner knows, the longer you ignore repairs the worse it gets and the more expensive the repairs get.

Just another example of politicians failing to do anything?

Ian

 

[Beebo]

Due to report later this year.

https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/...-westminster-background-and-progress-in-2024/

 

[Bromptonaut]

Bit like Social Care; can constantly kicked down the road.

https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/...-westminster-background-and-progress-in-2024/

Thought plan was to decant to an adapted Richmond House in Whitehall?

As anybody who has been in the Civil Service for more than a few years will tell you decanting people out of London is much easier said than done.

Beaten to it by @Beebo

 

[Psamathe]

As anybody who has been in the Civil Service for more than a few years will tell you decanting people out of London is much easier said than done.

When I worked for Gov. lab I worked at was relocated over 50 miles. Included live operational control centres computers (in 19" racks in those days), everything. Went really smoothly.

Does make me wonder if "motivation" might play a part? particularly where such large sums are involved. Plus I thought it was part of an ongoing process anyway.

Ian

 

[Bromptonaut]

@Psamathe it's not just the draw of London and loss of experienced staff etc.

If Parliament is decanted to Newcastle does Whitehall go too?

London remains the nation's Capital and, unless he goes too, the home of the Head of State. There'd be an awful lot of shuttling back and forth for Ministers, never mind the PM's weekly F2F with the King.

Travel's a major issue too. Birmingham is the only other UK city with connectivity anything like London. Can you fly from Newcastle to (say) Cardiff or Cornwall? Both are a bloody long ride on the train!!

 

[Psamathe]

Travel's a major issue too. Birmingham is the only other UK city with connectivity anything like London. Can you fly from Newcastle to (say) Cardiff or Cornwall? Both are a bloody long ride on the train!!

I used Newcastle as a example. Just that so many MPs love the London live, having their London expenses, etc.

Reality is they've known about the issue for years, reports, costings, etc. done yet no decisions actually made. Options presented about minimum cost to taxpayer vs higher costs to taxpayers. Move of Civil Service out of London seems something happening anyway.

Starmer/Reeves etc. seem to spend forever away from London anyway, continually wearing hard hats trying to convince a group of workers in some factory how well the economy is doing.

Ian

 

[Xipe Totec]

I quite like the idea that the apathy of our parliamentarians could ultimately save some latter-day Guy Fawkes the bother.

 

[Pblakeney]

Would MPs have to give up their second homes in London?
I guess some of them have asked that question.

 

[Beebo]

The costs will be crazy, no matter what is decided.
The building is clearly no longer fit for purpose, but it’s listed so alternative use options are limited.
I would favour a move to a purpose built modern building, possibly in the regions or maybe more realistically on a brown site in the dock lands.
What you do with the original building is still a difficult question to answer.

 

[Beebo]

Would MPs have to give up their second homes in London?
I guess some of them have asked that question.

That benefit is no where near as lucrative as it used to be. They can’t buy a second home anymore.
The budget for renting is around £2500 pcm. Which is low for anyone who knows London rents.

 

[Pblakeney]

That benefit is no where near as lucrative as it used to be. They can’t buy a second home anymore.
The budget for renting is around £2500 pcm. Which is low for anyone who knows London rents.

Ah. My thinking was from memory. Obviously an out of date memory.

 

[BoldonLad]

@Psamathe it's not just the draw of London and loss of experienced staff etc.

If Parliament is decanted to Newcastle does Whitehall go too?

London remains the nation's Capital and, unless he goes too, the home of the Head of State. There'd be an awful lot of shuttling back and forth for Ministers, never mind the PM's weekly F2F with the King.

Travel's a major issue too. Birmingham is the only other UK city with connectivity anything like London. Can you fly from Newcastle to (say) Cardiff or Cornwall? Both are a bloody long ride on the train!!

Can't the F2F with the King be done via video link? It is the 21st century, I think if they WANTED to it could be achieved.

 

[spen666]

@Psamathe it's not just the draw of London and loss of experienced staff etc.

If Parliament is decanted to Newcastle does Whitehall go too?

London remains the nation's Capital and, unless he goes too, the home of the Head of State. There'd be an awful lot of shuttling back and forth for Ministers, never mind the PM's weekly F2F with the King.

Travel's a major issue too. Birmingham is the only other UK city with connectivity anything like London. Can you fly from Newcastle to (say) Cardiff or Cornwall? Both are a bloody long ride on the train!!

Really?

The residents of Manchester, Leeds and other locations may dispute that

 

[Beebo]

Can't the F2F with the King be done via video link? It is the 21st century, I think if they WANTED to it could be achieved.

It should all be done remotely.
Having to actually pass through the voting lobby is stupid. Just vote via an app.

 

[Pblakeney]

The whole Westminster thing is archaic. I mean, Black Rod? Etc, etc...