Bulletin 19 May 2011

Accommodation policy.

The Commission agreed the principles (pdf 253KB) which will underlie future policy on the Parliamentary Estate and accommodation. They largely reflect the Administration Committee's proposals of 2006, while also taking account of the Savings Programme. Proposals in the next few months for putting the principles into practice will be subject to consultation. A specific proposal to refurbish 53 Parliament Street, 1 Canon Row, 1 Derby Gate, 1 Parliament Street and Norman Shaw North from 2011 to 2020 was approved. (Contact: John Borley – x6551)

Nursery

15 children are now attending the nursery, with six more registered to start by September. Eligibility to use the nursery has been extended to Peers, Peers' staff and House of Lords staff, and to civil servants with parliamentary passes (12 month contracts only in the latter case). Some places will continue to be held in reserve for Members. (Contact: Patricia Macaulay-Fraser – x4961)

Employment issues

Mr Speaker is to write to IPSA calling for a more effective system of support for Members facing problems relating to their employees than IPSA's current policy that Members should individually take out insurance. (Contact: Andrew Walker – 5460)

Observations on matters in the bulletin or other aspects of the House's administration should be sent to gerholddj@parliament.uk for the attention of the Commission.

Commission membership: Mr Speaker (Chair), Hilary Benn, Sir Paul Beresford, Frank Doran, John Thurso, Sir George Young (Leader of the House).