HS2 Monitoring and Oversight 2023-06-08
2023-06-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by concerns about the effectiveness of monitoring and oversight for HS2, particularly following a recent incident involving a sinkhole.
What steps are being taken to ensure effective monitoring and oversight of HS2? My constituents woke up to find a large sinkhole in a field above where HS2 tunnel boring machines had been. This was predicted years ago by my constituents in evidence to this House. The Environment Agency's response appears inadequate, allowing HS2 contractors to mark their own homework. It is vital that we can have faith in the organisation to undertake its statutory responsibilities.
Comprehensive monitoring arrangements are in place for HS2. The High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Act 2017 and the High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Act 2021 specify circumstances where HS2 must seek Environment Agency consent. I have asked for a separate report from the Environment Agency to ensure independence, and when I receive it, I will sit down with the hon. Lady and her constituents.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the request for a meeting with constituents
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns have been raised about HS2 Ltd's behaviour towards a local farmer who discovered that woodland on his property was being chainsawed without consultation or payment.
Two weeks ago, my constituents the Hodges of Elm Tree farm in Steeple Claydon found HS2 Ltd planning to chainsaw an area of woodland they did not pay for. There was no consultation and suspicious works happened at night. When will my hon. Friend clamp down on this appalling, bullying behaviour from HS2 Ltd and its contractors?
I sat down with my hon. Friend, people from HS2 Ltd, and Buckinghamshire Council recently to discuss these matters. I am looking into the details to ensure we have correct facts. The next time I am near Steeple Claydon, we can take a look ourselves.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific action against HS2's behaviour
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns have been raised about HS2's budget overruns, delays, and the cancellation of projects like the Golborne link. The latest six-monthly update to Parliament is overdue.
The Government's management of HS2 has seen ballooning budgets and delays; the merry-go-round of Ministers has created chaos. When will the Leeds area study finally be published?
We remain committed to HS2 and line-of-route from London to Manchester. I have met with my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to work on the matter, ensuring that when the study comes out, it will deliver properly all intended ideas. We are committed to investment and decarbonisation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline for the Leeds area study publication
Response accuracy