Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 29
29
Deferred
Process for returning unused HS2 Phase 1 land remains painfully slow
Conclusion
We also highlighted that, where some Phase 1 land was going through the process of being returned (it could have been taken for temporary reasons such as utility diversions) the process had been painful and lengthy. HS2 Ltd said that land and property should be returned, once it is not needed anymore, to those who owned it before if they wanted it, subject to all of the associated rules. It said that HS2 Ltd and the Department ought to do that as fast as possible, while acknowledging that on Phase 1 it had been a “pretty slow trickle” so far. It also commented, however, that this was something of an improvement on previous policy which had been to only release any land and property at the end of the whole project. The Department added that it should look for opportunities to allow use of land no longer required if it benefits all parties to do so; for example to look at renting back rural land while the sale and purchase process goes through.59 57 Qq 124, 125 58 Q 127 59 Q 128 18 HS2 and Euston 3 Network North
Government Response Summary
The government states it disagrees, but explains it is developing a programme for selling acquired Phase 2 land which will balance value for money and local interests, and aims to share its plan by summer 2024, noting it will look to expedite work for compulsorily acquired land.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
5.1 The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 5.2 The department is not yet able to share its plan with the Committee but will do so by summer 2024. The department is developing the programme for selling land acquired for Phase 2 that is no longer required and it will take some time to ensure this programme is properly set up. 5.3 The programme will ensure it both delivers value for money for the taxpayer and considers the interests of those who have been affected, and local communities more generally; for example, the government will ensure the programme does not disrupt local property markets. 5.4 The government recognises that achieving value for money will require considering both financial considerations, in particular the sale price achieved and the cost of managing properties in the interim, and wider factors, including acting in accordance with broader government policy considerations such as in relation to housing and economic development. 5.5 The government recognises the particular concerns of owners who have had land compulsorily acquired which is no longer needed and will look to expedite work relating to this land as the disposals programme is developed, acting in accordance with the Crichel Down Rules. 5.6 Although there have been only a small number of land and property sales on Phase 1 so far, lessons learnt will be applied as the much larger Phase 2 programme is developed. The department will draw on relevant expertise across government.