RENOVATIONS to two toilets used by Parliamentary VIP guests could cost up to £35,000 less than first estimated, according to the House of Lords.

Westminster City Council has granted planning permission to the project, initially valued between £90,000 to £100,000.

Plans include removing two urinals, revamping two existing toilet cubicles and creating space for a third loo that complies with disability access legislation.

The House of Lords' Salisbury Room toilets gave Westminster a "poor image"and were in an "unacceptable condition for the high profile area they are in", a House of Commons contract put out to tender stated.

Campaign group the Taxpayers' Alliance previously criticised the "eye-watering sum" of taxpayers' cash expected to allow VIPs to "spend a penny".

But the House of Lords now expects the work to cost between £65,000 and £70,000.

As the Palace is a grade one listed building, work has to be carried out in line with English Heritage requirements, which can lead to increased costs.