Question

To ask The Senior Deputy Speaker what is the purpose and function of the scaffolding being constructed around Victoria Tower; and whether any people will work under that scaffolding.

Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble

The scaffolding currently being constructed around Victoria Tower is a “safety deck” which protects workers in the restricted access construction site from any stone fall. It replaces the previous one which was not suitable to accommodate large groundwork equipment and machinery, and will be in place to enable preparatory groundworks for the full scaffolding build to be safely carried out from later this year.

Question

To ask The Senior Deputy Speaker whether the Renewal and Restoration Client Board plans to publish proposals for the provision of food for members of parliament, peers, staff and visitors in cafes and restaurants in the planned decant locations.

Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble

The R&R Client Board (the two House Commissions meeting jointly) published a report, Delivering restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster: the costed proposals, on 5 February 2026. Chapters 4 to 6 provide preliminary information on catering proposals under the different R&R options (full decant; enhanced maintenance and improvement (two variants); and continued presence).

The Client Board has recommended that two options—the full decant and enhanced maintenance and improvement plus (EMI+) options—are taken forward for development alongside a package of phase one works.

Under the full decant option, the House of Lords would decant into the QEII Conference Centre (subject to negotiation), although there would be an ongoing need for the Southern Estate (Millbank House and Fielden House) to accommodate some Members’ offices and House business areas that do not need to be close to the temporary Chamber. In the QEII, catering would be provided for Members and staff although this would be reduced compared to the current provision. There would not be dedicated banqueting facilities. Multi-functional meeting rooms could be used to host member-sponsored events.

Under full decant, the House of Commons would decant to the Northern Estate on a phased basis. Catering provision would be reduced compared to current provision although Richmond House would accommodate a Members’ Tearoom adjacent to the Commons Chamber throughout the Programme. Catering would also be available in Portcullis House, 1 Parliament Street and Norman Shaw North. There would be no bar or banqueting facilities.

The EMI+ option has an objective to decant not more than 30% of the Palace (by usable area) at any one time. The House of Lords would decant into the QEII Conference Centre and the House of Commons, subject to the agreement of the House of Lords, would use the Lords Chamber while work was taking place on the Commons Chamber, for up to two years. Catering for the Lords in the QEII Centre would be the same as under the full decant option and there would again be an ongoing need for the Southern Estate.

Under EMI+, Commons catering facilities in the Palace would be refurbished on a zonal basis and would each be closed for several years. While these facilities are being refurbished there would be a reduction in Commons catering provision. The current catering facilities on the Northern Estate, including in Portcullis House, would remain available (except for the café in Richmond House) and new catering facilities would be available in Norman Shaw North. The only Commons catering facility within the Palace that would remain open throughout the entirety of the R&R works would be the Jubilee Café, which is accessible to the public and would be refurbished outside of standard operating hours.

These catering proposals are at a relatively early stage of development and the specifics will be subject to further consultation with Member bodies, including domestic committees.

Found: Lord Harlech Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb Baroness McIntosh of Pickering Baroness Grender Lord Blencathra