Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Accepted
Slow progress on HS2 land and property disposal decisions post-Phase 2 cancellation
Conclusion
Things are moving too slowly on making decisions on the disposal of land and property purchased as part of the programme. The Department has yet to determine what land and property can be disposed of following the cancellation of Phase 2, and what land it will retain ownership of for the purpose of potential future work. In February 2024, the previous Public Accounts Committee stressed the need for the Department and HS2 Ltd to develop a strategy for the disposal of land and property, and to balance this with the needs of those who have been affected. Very little progress has been made and people who previously owned property that is no longer needed, and who may welcome the opportunity to buy it back, are still waiting for clear timeframes and answers. This includes properties that were already no longer required from changes to the HS2 route in 7
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation, is undertaking a review of the Phase 2 land portfolio including identifying Crichel Down properties, and will write to the Committee to confirm next steps for a disposal programme. This information, along with approaches to future West Coast Main Line capacity, will be included in a future six-monthly report to Parliament.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. of these preparations, the department is undertaking a review of the portfolio of land that was previously acquired for Phase 2. This includes the identification of properties subject to Crichel Down Rules. The department will write to the Committee to confirm the next steps for a disposal programme. The Department will take time to carefully develop a disposal programme that delivers value for money for taxpayers and does not disrupt local property markets. The department agrees to include the information requested by the Committee regarding the disposal programme in a future six-monthly report to Parliament. As part of this update, the department will include its approach to addressing future West Coast Main Line capacity issues and rail connectivity in the north, following the outcome of the spending review.