Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 31
31
Acknowledged
Network North projects funded by HS2 savings require individual business case approvals
Conclusion
In its Network North paper the Department described a number of road and rail projects to be included in what will be funded from the £36 billion, subject to approval of business cases.62 The Department told us that these “alternative investments” ranged from specific projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail to uplifts in city regional sustainable transport funding and local integrated transport funding, and that it would assess projects “in the normal way rather than as a bundle.63 It explained that “about half” of the £36 billion would, in effect, be given to other parties through devolved funding arrangements, with the principle being that it should be for mayors, local authorities and others to decide what the key priorities are in their areas.64 The Department said that there are other specific projects, some of which are well advanced and some of which are going to take a very significant amount of further work.65 The Department told us that the money would be spent broadly to the same timescales as it would have been under HS2, up to 2041, but with the potential of bringing benefits earlier.66
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's description of the Network North projects and funding distribution. They reiterate that progress will be reported on individual schemes as they mature and that all will undergo business case approval and formal governance.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 6.2 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. 6.3 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.