Asked by: Andrea Leadsom (Conservative - South Northamptonshire)
Question to the Leader of the House:
To ask the Leader of the House, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the House will be able to review the proposed changes to Parliament’s restoration and renewal programme.
Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Work is continuing, at the direction of the House Commissions, on preparing for changes to the Restoration and Renewal (R&R) Programme. An independent assurance panel has provided advice which will inform the Commissions’ deliberations and recommendations. The two Houses will then be asked to consider a revised mandate for the works and changes to the sponsorship function. The debates are currently planned to take place before the summer recess.
R&R is a Parliamentary programme and the responsibility of Parliament. As any change will ultimately be a matter for the two Houses, I am committed to ensuring that Members are able to make informed decisions and review the proposed changes before making a decision.