Government decision
The Government has decided to proceed with the development of a high speed rail network. Visit the Department for Transport website for details of the decision and next steps.
Council position
The 51m alliance of councils opposing HS2 say that although they have no objections to the principle of high speed rail, they will continue to fight the current flawed proposals, following news that the Government plans to press ahead with the £32 billion project. 51m Leaders will now be examining the decision and considering whether there are grounds for a legal challenge.
"This is an immensely bad decision for Warwick district and Britain as a whole," said Councillor Michael Doody, Leader of Warwick District Council. "At a time of national austerity with rising unemployment and a massive deficit how can spending more than £32 billion on a rail line be justified? The impact on our local area for both businesses and residents is a huge concern. Our stance remains the same - we will continue to work with the 51m group and remain united in our opposition."
The Council’s Executive considered a report on HS2 at its meeting on January 6th 2011 (PDF). The Council agreed to support Warwickshire County Council in opposing the HS2 proposal.
Both councils are members of 51m, a group of 13 local authorities actively challenging the HS2 scheme through a national campaign. £51 million is the cost of HS2 to each and every parliamentary constituency in the country.
Consultation
The Government ran a consultation on High Speed Two until July 2011. Information including the consultation document and route maps can be found on the consultation website. Further information on HS2 can also be found on the HS2 website and the Warwickshire County Council website.
Public interest debate
Members of the group were invited to speak at a debate on 9th March. Papers for the meeting.
Compensation measures and Exceptional Hardship Scheme
The Secretary of State’s announcement on HS2 detailed a new package of compensation measures to help those affected by the scheme.
You can find more information and download the guidance and an application form on the HS2 Ltd website.
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