Written question asked by Viscount Astor (Conservative) on Monday, 29 June 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 July 2020. It was answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Conservative) on Friday, 10 July 2020 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

High Speed 2 Line

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether HS2 Ltd has made changes to the design and scope of the HS2 Phase One programme since Royal Assent in 2017.

Answer: Since Royal Assent for Phase One in 2017, and in line with best practice for any major infrastructure investment, HS2 Ltd has undertaken and completed a comprehensive review of scope ahead of HMG awarding Notice to Proceed in April 2020. This review concluded that the high-level design and scope of the programme was appropriate for meeting the scheme’s business case objectives. Overall, the maturity of design for the scheme has developed significantly, moving from high-level designs for the scheme in 2017 to shovel-ready designs for the major civils works in 2020. In some cases, this maturing design has resulted in localised changes in specification, design and scope. However, these changes do not impact on the overall commitment to meet the scheme’s objectives.

Secondary information