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 project promotes public engagement with Parliament. It emphasizes corporate social responsibility, fair employment practices, and wider UK economic benefits from the project.

Description

The amendments primarily concern the process of awarding contracts for the Palace of Westminster's renovation. Key changes include:

• Contractor Selection Criteria: The Sponsor Body (responsible for overseeing the project) must consider prospective contractors' corporate social responsibility policies and employment practices, including anti-blacklisting measures.
• Public Engagement: The Sponsor Body must promote public understanding of the restoration programme and seek views from Parliament employees, staff of Members of Parliament, and the general public.
• Geographic Reach of Economic Benefits: The bill mandates that opportunities arising from the project should be available across the entire UK.
• Transparency and Reporting: The Sponsor Body must report to Parliament on awarded contracts, including details of contractors' size and operational areas.
• Project Aims: The Sponsor Body must consider facilitating improved public engagement with Parliament, particularly through remote access to educational and outreach facilities. The historical significance of the Palace of Westminster must also be considered.

Government Spending

The amendments do not directly impact government spending on the restoration project itself. The costs remain unchanged; however, the emphasis on wider UK economic benefits and fair contracting practices may indirectly influence the allocation of funds, promoting competition and encouraging participation from diverse contractors across the country. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Contractors: The amendments will influence the selection criteria for companies bidding on contracts, favoring those demonstrating strong CSR policies and fair employment practices. This could impact the competitiveness of different sized and regionally based firms.
• Parliamentary Staff: Their views will be sought on the restoration process.
• The Public: The amendments aim to increase public awareness and engagement with the restoration project and with Parliament more generally.
• UK Businesses: The emphasis on wider UK economic benefits could mean more opportunities for businesses outside of London.

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