MPs Criticize £168k Bonus for Official as UK Parliament Renovation Plan Stalls
MPs have voiced their anger over a £168,000 bonus awarded to David Goldstone, the CEO of the Restoration & Renewal delivery authority, the body overseeing the refurbishment of the UK’s deteriorating parliamentary estate. The bonus was revealed in the authority’s annual report, in addition to Goldstone’s £311,000 salary. The decision to reward executives working on the stalled renovation plan has raised eyebrows among MPs, who expressed their surprise considering the slow progress of the project. The cross-party public accounts committee has written to Goldstone and senior officials urging them to provide an update on the restoration plans. As frustration mounts over the delays, concerns are growing about the safety risks posed by fire and crumbling infrastructure in the historic Palace of Westminster.
The restoration project, known as R&R, has been plagued by setbacks since its approval six years ago. The plan involves temporarily vacating the building, allowing essential works to take place. While parts of the palace date back to the 19th century, some sections are even older, and the structure has not undergone a proper refurbishment since before World War II. The National Audit Office and other experts have warned of the increasing risks of fire and falling masonry.
Two main options for the refurbishment have been under consideration for the past year: a complete decant or a continued presence on the parliamentary estate. However, last week POLITICO revealed that MPs are exploring a third option called patch and mend. Meg Hillier, Chairwoman of the public accounts committee, raised concerns about whether the parliamentary authorities are fulfilling their legal obligations to maintain the safety of people in the building.
The estimated cost of a full decant has ballooned from £4 billion, the initial figure when MPs voted on the plan, to around £11 billion. Many MPs now question whether such a hefty price tag can be justified, given the rising cost of living in the UK. The expenses associated with refurbishing the building while lawmakers remain in place are even greater, and the process would take significantly longer.
The Restoration & Renewal Delivery Authority has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the bonus controversy. With the renovation plans marred by delays and mounting costs, MPs are demanding answers from those responsible for the restoration of the iconic Palace of Westminster.
