17.05.13
NAO criticisms of HS2 are ‘out of date’ - DfT
The Government has rejected the NAO report published yesterday which criticised the business case for HS2, as it publishes a draft Environmental Statement confirming major new stretches of tunnelling for the high-speed line.
The NAO identified a £3.3bn funding gap for the project, and called for the DfT to update its data underlying key assumptions for the business case of phase 1.
Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, said: “It’s too early in the High Speed 2 programme to conclude on the likelihood of its achieving value for money. Our concern at this point is the lack of clarity around the Department’s objectives.
“The strategic case for the network should be better developed at this stage of the programme. It is also unclear how High Speed 2 will transform regional economies by delivering jobs and growth.”
Margaret Hodge MP labelled some of the department’s assumptions “ludicrous”.
But rail minister Simon Burns said: “They are reaching conclusions...based on a business case from 18 months ago.”
And transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin added: “The case for HS2 is clear. Without it the key rail routes connecting London, the Midlands and northern England will be overwhelmed.
“We are not building HS2 simply because the computer says ‘yes’. We are building it because it is the right thing to do to make Britain a stronger and more prosperous place.”
Head of Rail Planning at engineering and design consultancy WSP Ian Brooker commented: “While the NAO report highlights some important underlying issues, the DfT is justified in pointing out that it is based on outdated information, and has not taken sufficient account of the very active process of updating data and forecasts and strengthening project management.”
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Image c. HS2 Ltd.