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<p>The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked me, as Chair of the Services Committee, to
respond on his behalf. The current policy is to retain the Housekeeping Team for the
foreseeable future and to continue to provide Housekeeping services within the Palace,
with a focus on the high profile areas such as the Chamber, Robing Room, Prince’s
Chamber, Royal Gallery and offices on the Principal and First floor.</p><p>A contractor,
AtaliaServest, currently cleans all out-buildings as well as selected Member and staff
offices in the Palace of Westminster. AtaliaServest has been the incumbent cleaning
contractor for over five years. Additional areas, including those with limited accessibility
and lone working requirements, have been handed over to AtaliaServest. This decision
was taken to maximise operational efficiency, making best use of the AtaliaServest
team and allowing the House of Lords Housekeepers to focus on high profile areas and
specialist cleaning, rather than for any financial benefit. The terms and conditions
of AtaliaServest staff are set by AtaliaServest, all staff and contractors working
on the Parliamentary Estate are paid at least the London Living Wage.</p>
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