MP defends cost of Portcullis House

The chairman of the House of Commons Commission has defended Portcullis House, the new state-of-the-art office block for MPs, even though it has cost an extra £100 million to build.

A report by surveyor, Northcroft, highlighted that the designers had failed to take into account a series of factors, including the impact of inflation which had added an extra £36 million.

There had also been a failure to agree the fees for consultants on the project which have spiralled since it was approved in 1993. Construction is now estimated as costing £250 million.

Chairman Archy Kirkwood, one of six MPs responsible for managing Portcullis House, said: "Overall the consultants found the project meeting the highest standards required. They acknowledged that, compared to other projects, the cost is high, but recognised the quality of the construction and the "heritage significance.

"They also considered that the building will provide value for money as long as it delivers a life span in excess of 125 years and meets the promised low costs in use and maintenance."