HS2: Exceptional Hardship Scheme

Consultation document on a voluntary purchase scheme for property owners whose properties may be affected by any new high speed rail link between London and the West Midlands.

Following the consultation on an Exceptional Hardship Scheme, the Secretary of State for Transport has confirmed that an Exceptional Hardship Scheme will be introduced, and that it will be open to applications from Friday 20 August. This section includes the written ministerial statement to Parliament, frequently asked questions and an analysis of the responses to the consultation. Further information please see High Speed Two - Proposed Exceptional Hardship Scheme.

The deadline for consultation responses on the Exceptional Hardship Scheme for a proposed high speed line from London to the West Midlands was been extended by 4 weeks to 17 June.

The Secretary of State for Transport has taken this decision in the light of representations arguing that 10 weeks is not sufficient to allow all those with an interest to have the fullest possible opportunity to comment on these proposals.

Alongside this, and without prejudice to the outcome of the consultation, the Department for Transport will ensure that shadow arrangements are put in place so that, should a decision be taken to proceed with the scheme, applications can begin to be considered immediately. By bringing forward the timescale for applications in this way, this should help minimise uncertainty for those affected and ensure any payments can be made as quickly as possible wherever appropriate.

Anyone whose application is considered under such shadow arrangements would also have a right of appeal once the formal scheme is up and running.

Printed copies (ISBN 9781848640795) of this publication and the High Speed Rail CD-ROM (product code HS2CD) can both be obtained from publications. The CD-ROM contains the command paper and all of the High Speed Two Ltd supporting documents.