A Joint Committee of the two Houses of Parliament was established to recommend a way forward. Its report in 2016 concluded there was “a clear and pressing need” to carry out “comprehensive and strategic” restoration work. It recommended a two-tier governance model to conduct and oversee the works. This approach to restoration and renewal was endorsed in resolutions by both Houses of Parliament in 2018. 

Following the passage of the Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Act 2019, two new bodies were set up in 2020: the R&R Sponsor Body, which acted as Parliament’s agent in overseeing the works; and the Delivery Authority, responsible for delivering the works. 

In March 2022, the Commissions of the House of Commons and House of Lords issued a joint statement proposing a new approach to the governance of the Programme.  

On 14 June 2022, the commissions of both Houses published a joint report setting out their proposals for a new mandate for the R&R programme and a new governance structure. This included the establishment of the Member led R&R Client Board and R&R Programme Board, and creation of the R&R Client Team which is a joint department of both Houses. 

The R&R Delivery Authority remains as an independent organisation responsible for designing and, following parliamentary approval, delivering the works. 

In March 2024, a Strategic Case was published by the Restoration and Renewal Client Board, outlining three options on which further work would be carried out.. Costed proposals for the way forward have now been presented to both Houses of Parliament. Both Houses are expected to consider a motion to determine the way forward. 

Read a timeline of R&R’s legislation, scrutiny and review.