Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Accepted
Publish reporting plan for Network North projects including timescales and value for money assurance
Conclusion
The Department has yet to finalise what the redirected £36 billion (in 2023 prices) originally intended for the cancelled HS2 phases will fund or decide on when these projects can be expected to start. The Department has redirected the £36 billion that would have been spent on HS2 Phases 2a, 2b and East to a large portfolio of different road and rail projects through ‘Network North’. This funding will be available over the period up to 2041, very roughly mirroring the timings of when it would have been spent on HS2. The Department has announced how some of this funding will be redirected, such as support for bus services and additional funds for mayoral combined authorities. The Department says that the list of 8 HS2 and Euston alternative investments contained in Network North would go through normal business case processes to be approved and while some projects are well advanced, other projects still require a significant amount of further work. There is not yet a list, with expected costs and benefits, of what projects the Department expects will be delivered over the long-term with the redirected funds. Recommendation 6: The Department should, alongside its Treasury Minute response, report to the Committee on how it intends to report and update the list of projects by region that will be funded through money redirected to Network North, over what timescale projects will be delivered, and how it will ensure value for money will be achieved. HS2 and Euston 9 1 Value for money of HS2 Phase 1
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and states the recommendation is implemented. It will report progress against individual Network North schemes as they mature, covering funding, location, and timescales, ensuring all schemes undergo business case development and formal governance for value for money.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented Network North is a collection of schemes that sit across the department’s portfolio. As schemes are at varying stages of maturity and development, progress will be reported against individual schemes as and when they are appropriately matured, and reporting will cover funding, location and timescales. All Network North schemes will be subject to the development and approval of business cases to ensure value for money consideration and will undergo formal governance in line with relevant fiscal and legal duties.