In pictures: Restoration of Parliament

A report into the major restoration of the Houses of Parliament, the 150-year-old Grade I listed home to the UK's politicians, has just been released.

The report states that were MPs and peers to remain on site during the work it would cost £5.7bn and take 32 years to complete.

Were they to move out it would take only six years and the cost would be reduced to £3.5bn. The Commons and Lords will have to vote in the next few years on what to do.

Michael Cockerell, who was given unprecedented access to the Palace of Westminster to film a recent BBC documentary series, said the building was infested with rats and mice and in an advanced state of disrepair, with its foundations in danger of sinking into the Thames.

Some work is being done already but the list of fixes required is a long one, plus there are some improvements required to ensure it continues to function, including improved lifts and creating easier access for wheelchair users.

Given the building's status, any restoration would need to be completed to a high standard to match its original specification.

The building suffered bomb damage during World War Two, but since those repairs were carried out it has not undergone any major restoration or renewal.

The report states that:

"The Palace of Westminster is reaching the point where its condition is deteriorating, risks are growing and partial patching and mending interventions are no longer sufficient."

It goes on to suggest that work should begin in 2020, though admits the timetable is "challenging".