“To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the Restoration and Renewal Client Board, what steps the Client Board is taking to engage with parliamentary staff on the restoration of the Palace of Westminster.”
Asked by
Olly Glover
Answering Minister
the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the Restoration and Renewal Client Board
Answer from Hansard
Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney)
The restoration and renewal programme has engaged extensively with staff of both Houses. There is a legal duty to do so under the Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Act 2019. In the past two years alone, the programme has held over 420 workshops with parliamentary subject experts, engaged over 1,200 staff in group briefings, and taken over 700 staff members on R&R tours of the palace. That includes staff who work for Members, in addition to those who work for both Houses. Enabling staff to engage is vital, and the programme team will continue to ensure that there are opportunities to do so.