Overview

This bill amends the Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Bill, focusing on how contracts for the restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster are awarded and how the public is engaged in the process. It emphasizes corporate social responsibility, fair employment practices, and broad geographical distribution of economic benefits from the project.

Description

The amendments primarily concern the awarding of contracts for the refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster. Key changes include:

• Contractor Selection: The Sponsor Body must consider a prospective contractor's corporate social responsibility policies and employment practices (including anti-blacklisting policies) when awarding contracts.
• Public Engagement: The Sponsor Body must actively seek the views of Parliament staff, staff working for MPs, and the general public.
• Public Understanding: The programme must promote public understanding of its aims.
• Geographical Reach: The bill aims to ensure that economic benefits of the project are spread across the UK.
• Reporting: The Sponsor Body must report to Parliament on contracts awarded, including the size and geographical reach of the contractors.
• Project Goals: The bill emphasizes facilitating improved public engagement with Parliament and participation in the democratic process, especially through remote access to educational resources.
• Historical Significance: The bill highlights the need to consider the special architectural, archaeological and historical significance of the Palace of Westminster during the works.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify new government spending. However, it influences how the substantial existing budget for the Palace of Westminster restoration is spent, emphasizing value for money, social responsibility, and wider economic benefits beyond London.

Groups Affected

• Contractors: The bill impacts contractor selection, favoring those with strong CSR policies and fair employment practices. Smaller businesses and contractors outside of London may benefit from the increased focus on geographical distribution.
• Parliamentary Staff: Their views on the restoration will be actively sought.
• MP Staff: Their views will also be sought.
• The Public: The public will be better informed about the project and have a greater opportunity for input and engagement.
• UK Economy (regions outside London): The bill seeks to ensure that economic benefits are distributed more widely across the UK.

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