 |
answer text |
<p>The Downing Street complex is a working building, as well as containing two Ministerial
residences. As has always been the case, refurbishments and maintenance are made periodically.
The Government is legally required to maintain the Downing Street buildings to the
high standards appropriate to its Grade 1 and 2 listed status in consultation with
Historic England. The listed status, as well as security and other relevant factors,
significantly add to the cost of maintenance and repairs, compared to normal properties.</p><p>
</p><p>Across successive governments, Prime Ministers have received an annual allowance
of up to £30,000 a year from the public purse to contribute towards the costs associated
with maintaining and furnishing of the residency within the Downing Street estate.</p><p>
</p><p>Such works contribute to assets owned and held by the nation for use by Ministers,
including for example for hosting official guests.</p><p> </p><p>Figures for outturn
spending from that allowance on the No 11 flat (the residence of the Prime Minister
since 1997) are as follows.</p><p> </p><p>To assist public scrutiny, they are presented
in cash terms at the time of the payments, and in real terms (equivalent costs today).</p><p>
</p><p> </p><table><thead><tr><td><p><em>Year</em></p></td><td><p><em>Cash outturn</em></p></td><td><p><em>Real
terms*</em></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p>1997-98</p></td><td><p>£16,471</p></td><td><p>£25,299</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>1998-99</p></td><td><p>£48,336</p></td><td><p>£73,040</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>1999-00</p></td><td><p>£32,189</p></td><td><p>£48,425</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2000-01</p></td><td><p>£37,501</p></td><td><p>£55,406</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2001-02</p></td><td><p>£32,945</p></td><td><p>£47,973</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2002-03</p></td><td><p>£32,707</p></td><td><p>£46,587</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2003-04</p></td><td><p>£21,094</p></td><td><p>£29,414</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2004-05</p></td><td><p>£14,012</p></td><td><p>£18,996</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2005-06</p></td><td><p>£35,293</p></td><td><p>£46,617</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2006-07</p></td><td><p>£14,832</p></td><td><p>£19,050</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2007-08</p></td><td><p>£28,150</p></td><td><p>£35,164</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2008-09</p></td><td><p>£27,083</p></td><td><p>£32,939</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2009-10</p></td><td><p>£29,389</p></td><td><p>£35,181</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2010-11</p></td><td><p>£30,000</p></td><td><p>£35,267</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011-12</p></td><td><p>£13,335</p></td><td><p>£15,442</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2012-13</p></td><td><p>£0</p></td><td><p>£0</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013-14</p></td><td><p>£20,490</p></td><td><p>£22,840</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2014-15</p></td><td><p>£0</p></td><td><p>£0</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2015-16</p></td><td><p>£29,106</p></td><td><p>£31,744</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2016-17</p></td><td><p>£19,400</p></td><td><p>£20,647</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2017-18</p></td><td><p>£0</p></td><td><p>£0</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2018-19</p></td><td><p>£6,134</p></td><td><p>£6,270</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2019-20</p></td><td><p>£0</p></td><td><p>£0</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><sup><br>*Using
HMT figures for GDP deflator for 2019-20.</sup></p><p><sup>Note: The annual allowance
may be combined or spread to support works across financial years.</sup></p><p><sup>Figures
exclude essential works to make good the premises prior to occupation.</sup></p><p>
</p><p>No works took place in 2019-20 partly due to the general election and the covid
pandemic.</p><p> </p><p>Audited figures of spending from the allowance for the 2020-21
financial year are not yet available; works have taken place by long-standing Downing
Street contractors on painting, sanding and floorboards. Any costs of wider refurbishment
in this year have been met by the Prime Minister personally.</p><p> </p><p>The Government
has been considering the merits of whether works on parts or all of the Downing Street
estate could be funded by a trust; this could mirror long-standing arrangements in
place for Chequers (a private trust) or for Dorneywood (a charitable trust), reducing
the need for subsidy from the public purse. Such matters are legally complex and policy
development is ongoing. The Government engaged with the Leader of the Opposition’s
Office on the proposals in July.</p><p> </p><p>Matters concerning works on the Downing
Street estate, including the residences, will be covered in the Cabinet Office’s forthcoming
annual report and audited accounts.</p>
|
|
