Question

To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will take steps to ensure that the (a) timeline and (b) criteria for heating being resumed on the parliamentary estate in the autumn is reviewed in time for autumn 2026.

Heating and cooling across the Parliamentary Estate is managed centrally in accordance with the Parliamentary Heating and Cooling Protocol. This outlines timelines and criteria for when heating should be operational. A review of the existing protocol will be implemented ahead of the 2026 heating season, and the Administration Committee is regularly consulted on issues in relation to heating and cooling.

The existing operational protocol is designed to balance occupant comfort, energy efficiency, safety, and sustainability, while remaining compliant with legal requirements and industry best practice, including guidance from the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

The age and heritage status of many Parliamentary buildings makes the maintenance of consistent internal temperatures challenging. This is a particular issue in the Palace of Westminster which has a complex steam system which requires relatively intensive maintenance.

The approach used on the Parliamentary Estate is a common approach used for large Estates which balances occupant comfort and environmental impact as well as fuel cost and plant usage/maintenance impact.

Heating operation is based on sustained external temperature forecasts provided by the Met Office. This year and in previous years, heating was activated when the external temperature was expected to remain below 16°C for a full week. This condition has been met and the heating to the Palace of Westminster and all buildings across the Estate is now operational. For 2026 the protocol review will recommend that the heating in the Palace of Westminster will be switched on after three days of temperatures sustained below 16°C to reflect the unique nature of the building. The remainder of the Estate will fall under the existing provision (16°C for one week).

Heating is deactivated in Spring when temperatures are expected to remain above 16°C for a full week during occupied hours. This typically occurs in early April but dates can vary.

This year, the House Administration has proactively planned for Winter heating to reduce faults and downtime experienced in recent seasons. This includes proactive attempts to identify problems on the Northern Estate, in addition to the Palace.

During the last year, extensive work to repair and replace components at risk of breakdown or replace full heating systems has been completed. This has included:

a) Installation of a brand new boiler system in Norman Shaw South (which is expected to be complete and operational by end of October)

b) Installation of a brand new boiler system in 1 Parliament Street

c) Installation of a brand new boiler system in Richmond House

d) An extensive programme to replace pipework or complete repairs to the heating system in the Palace of Westminster