The Transport
Secretary Grant Shapps has published the terms
of reference and timetable for an independent review into the High Speed 2
(HS2) project.
Douglas Oakervee,
who has built up considerable knowledge on a wide range of major projects over
the course of his 60 year career, will lead the review and will work with Lord
Berkeley as his deputy.
They will be
supported by a panel of experts, bringing together a range of perspectives from
business, academia and the transport sector to ensure an independent, thorough
and objective assessment of the project. Panellists will each be consulted on
the report’s conclusions.
The terms of
reference published today confirm that the independently-led government review
will look at whether and how HS2 should proceed, using all existing evidence on
the project to consider:
- its benefits and impacts
- affordability and efficiency
- deliverability and scope
- its phasing, including its
relationship with Northern Powerhouse Rail
A final report will
be sent to the Secretary of State, with oversight from the Prime Minister and
Chancellor of the Exchequer, by the autumn. The report will inform the
government’s decisions on next steps for the project. Limited, largely
preparatory works, on the project will continue in parallel with the report’s
work.
Transport Secretary
Grant Shapps said: "The Prime Minister has been clear that transport
infrastructure has the potential to drive economic growth, redistribute
opportunity and support towns and cities across the UK, but that investments
must be subject to continuous assessment of their costs and benefits. That’s
why we are undertaking this independent and rigorous review of HS2."
In response Dr Adam
Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said there is a
strong economic case for delivering all phases of HS2.
“For far too long
businesses across the UK have had to cope with heavily congested Victorian-era
railways – with passengers and freight traffic vying for priority," he
continued. "Businesses count the cost of this in delayed journeys,
overcrowded trains, uncertain deliveries and unreliable services.
“By delivering new,
dedicated express routes between cities, HS2 will provide much-needed capacity
to Britain’s rail network and free up space for local and freight services on
existing lines. The delivery of other transformational schemes, including Northern
Powerhouse Rail, rely on the connections that HS2 will make.
“HS2’s importance
goes far beyond train services. Its anticipated completion is already
attracting investors and will continue to attract investment to surrounding
areas, rejuvenate local economies and create opportunities for businesses
across the supply chain.
“While no project
should have a blank cheque, business communities across the UK will be
concerned about the potential for further delays to HS2. This review must work
at pace with our business communities to improve and hone this crucial
infrastructure project, which is so important to business confidence.”
CBI Director of
Infrastructure, Tom Thackray, said the
business message on HS2 is clear-cut - back it, build it, benefit from it.
"The
debate has gone round the houses too many times," he added. “While it’s always
helpful to review major projects like HS2 to ensure that value for money is
delivered, the business case is well known.
“The approval of HS2
Phase One led to record levels of Foreign Direct Investment in the West
Midlands, with more than 7,000 new jobs created in Birmingham as a direct
result of HS2, and over 100,000 more. We have seen and are continuing to see
similar benefits right across the proposed route.
“We firmly believe
that committing to HS2 in full, once and for all, will spread the flow of
investment across the Midlands, the North of England and into Scotland. The
current poor connectivity in the North is a major obstacle to encouraging
companies from growing in the region and is a barrier to inward investment.”
