Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 43
43
Deferred
Phase 2 cancellation limits HS2 capacity benefits to London-Birmingham route
Conclusion
The HS2 programme was originally intended to improve capacity on the West Coast Main Line. However, with the cancellation of Phase 2, the revised programme will only address capacity between London and Birmingham. The Department is exploring options to run longer HS2 trains north of Birmingham, but this would require additional works at existing stations.73 Further options for addressing capacity issues include managing demand for rail services or investing in infrastructure such as additional tracks and longer platforms.74
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the 'recommendation'. While preparatory work on a Phase 2 land disposal programme is underway, they will include their approach to addressing future West Coast Main Line capacity issues and northern rail connectivity in a future six-monthly report, following the spending review outcome.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 Preparatory work on a disposal programme for Phase 2 is already underway. As part 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.