Yesterday, the Secretary of State announced the launch of the HS2 Discretionary Compensation Schemes. Following feedback and suggestions, the measures for people along Phase One of the route between London and Birmingham have been examined and revised.
Some elements of the improved package are available now, and others will follow a further short consultation later this year.
The package is made up of 5 elements:
- Express purchase: for owner-occupiers in the safeguarded area (approximately 60m from the railway in either direction) or the owner of a small business or agricultural property.
- Voluntary purchase: voluntary purchase to assist owner-occupiers in rural areas who live outside the safeguarded area but within 120m of HS2.
- Need to sell scheme: for owner-occupiers who need to sell. This scheme has no outer boundaries.
- Rent back: for those who sell their property under an HS2 compensation scheme but want to rent it back and live in it.
- Home owner payment—for properties in rural areas 120–300 m from HS2 in Phase 1 to offer a lump sum cash payment to owner occupiers on a sliding scale—to be consulted on.
Commenting on the new measures, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:
“I completely understand the concerns and anxieties of those living near the line, and it is only right that those people are properly looked after.”
“I believe this package of compensation and assistance will enable us to help people more. But I want to get it absolutely right, so I am asking for further views on some aspects before we finalise the plans.”
“HS2 will transform many people’s lives for the better, but where its impacts are less positive, we will do all we can to provide the right help and assistance.”
The announcement and further details of the schemes can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/secretary-for-state-for-transport-decisions-on-hs2-phase-2b-scheme