10 Downing Street: Repairs and Maintenance
Question
Kevin Hollinrake
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the Cabinet Office Annual report and accounts 2024-2025, HC1372, 23 October 2025, page 139, who determines the level of the Prime Minister’s annual allowance for redecoration and modernisation within the Downing Street estate, and what process governs any revisions to that amount.
Answer
Nick Thomas-SymondsThe annual allowance has been in place for over 25 years, and has been unchanged since its introduction.
The Downing Street complex is a working building, as well as containing two Ministerial residences. As has always been the case, refurbishments and maintenance are made periodically. The Government is legally required to maintain the Downing Street buildings to the high standards appropriate to its Grade 1 and 2 listed status in consultation with Historic England. The listed status, as well as security and other relevant factors, significantly add to the cost of maintenance and repairs, compared to normal properties.