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House Of Lords |
Taxpayers are angry after it was discovered that the government will refurbish two small toilets in the House Of Lords for a staggering $150,000.
The men and women toilets in the House of Lords are in "unacceptable conditions for such a high-profile area they are in" according to a notice inviting contractors to bid for the work.
The rooms are not the only bathrooms in the building and are not particularly large, with two urinals in the men's toilets and one cubicle, plus a sink in the female room.
However, the costs will not be helped by the fact that the work must comply with the requirements of English Heritage for Grade I listed buildings.
The work includes replacing historic oak paneling, minor demolition work, new decorations and new healthcare equipment.
The toilets, used by peers, staff and visitors by delegations of foreign parliaments, was built in 1937.
They have reached the end, and they give a bad image of the Palace of Westminster, the statement added.
Twelve companies have expressed interest in carrying out the work at the House of Lords. The spokesperson said the contractor would be chosen based on who will create value for the money of the taxpayer.
Taxpayers' Alliance chief executive Matthew Sinclair said the amount of money involved were "eye-watering".
"A typical family could afford to build a house for this amount of money," he said.
The work is expected to take six weeks.
The last renovation took place over 20 years ago, and the contract is valued by the House of Commons authorities at 100,000 pounds.