Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Parliamentary works sponsor body

15 October 2020 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Henry Smith Con Constituency

Parliamentary Procedure

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Henry Smith raised concerns about parliamentary works sponsor body in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Parliamentary works sponsor body's assessment of establishing the parliamentary estate and its immediate environs as a planning authority was questioned.
  • Suggesting this would streamline the process for restoration and renewal.
  • Changes would require primary legislation or an amendment to existing Acts.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Henry Smith Con Constituency

Questioned the sponsor body's assessment of establishing the parliamentary estate and its immediate environs as a planning authority, suggesting it would streamline the process for restoration and renewal but acknowledged that changes would require primary legislation or an amendment to existing Acts.

Other contributors (2)
  • Henry Smith

    Encouraged the Parliamentary Works Sponsor Body to reconsider establishing Parliament as its own planning authority due to past difficulties with Westminster City Council, Greater London Authority and others. Believes this would ease parliamentary works for restoration and renewal.

  • Damian Hinds Con East Hampshire

    Acknowledged that the sponsor body has not assessed the merits of establishing Parliament as its own planning authority but mentioned that the Joint Committee on the Draft Parliamentary Buildings Restoration and Renewal Bill recognised no easy way to streamline the process without primary legislation or amendment to existing Acts.

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