The Public Accounts Committee warns that each year of delay adds 420 million to the lifetime cost of the scheme and raises the risk of severe disruption, including the chamber going dark at the State Opening or a Notre Dame–like fire scenario.

Maintenance costs for the parliamentary complex are rising, currently about 1.5 million per week and could reach 2 million weekly, with restoration estimates potentially up to 40 billion and a timeline of up to six decades.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chair of the PAC, emphasizes the real and rising risks to morale, international reputation, and even lives in a worst‑case scenario, urging a faster, clearer decision on the programme’s direction.

The committee suggests learning from Canada’s parliamentary renovation experiences and calls for a clear, detailed delivery schedule for Phase One before proceeding to a vote on Phase Two in 2030.

The PAC does not prescribe a single project but recommends practical governance reforms, better cost estimates, and a timetable to enable a decision on the main project by 2030, plus a plan for temporary accommodation for both chambers.

A plan to involve parliamentarians in decision-making on the project is urged within six months, with cost estimates and a timetable for a main project decision by 2030, and a parliamentary spokesperson says safety work is already underway.

There are concerns that temporary accommodations for MPs and peers may not be ready when needed, with relocation potentially starting around 2032, prompting demands for a detailed delivery schedule and reliable timelines.

The PAC warns temporary accommodation may not be ready when needed, potentially delaying work to 2032, and calls for a detailed delivery schedule for Phase One that accounts for temporary housing needs.

MPs are set to vote later this year on how deep the renovation should be, aiming to decide the pathway forward to avert further financial and safety risks.

The PAC calls for greater public accountability and transparency, including establishing a Restoration and Renewal select committee to scrutinise progress and learn from Canada’s renovation experiences.

Structural and safety issues include plumbing problems, a leaking roof, deteriorating stonework under scaffolding, and an outdated electrical system necessitating 24-hour fire patrols.