After reading the full official Government review into #HS2 I'm posting a long thread on exactly what is in it. This isn't a complete version but will be (when finished) a pretty comprehensive list of anything of significance. So here goes... #HS2reviewconclusion
1) the review “didn’t have time to develop own robust bottom-up estimate of costs”..but…”did examine estimates for HS2.” #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
2) “the impact of cancelling HS2 would be significant” - £9bn spent so far – “additional direct costs of cancelling project estimated at £2.5bn to £3.6bn” #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
3) “there would also be significant detrimental consequences for the supply chain and the fragile UK construction industry and confidence if cancelled” #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
4) full (HS2) network needed to realise the benefits of investment in HS2 #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
6) “Substantial changes to specification and design requirements which would reduce the costs of Phase 1...would require changing of Phase 1 Act”…”would cause significant delay…causing further uncertainty and blight to communities along the route” #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
7) Last one should read...HS2 “would help Govt achieve its net carbon zero target by 2050” #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
8) “Getting private sector to contribute funding development of HS2 stations & removing ‘gold plating’ on HS2 and optimising the design - could deliver substantial savings on latter stages #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
9) HS2 Ltd needs to improve performance in cost management. (There is a need to) overhaul governance of the project - ensuring that Govt has proper oversight into what is happening on the project and control over costs #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
10) "upgrading existing victorian railway network is challenging and costly" #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
11) “more needs to be done to ensure the Midlands and North of E get improved rail services” #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
12) “review recommends embracing Phase 2b alongside an integrated railway investment programme - with a regular and annual spend for the midlands and north of E” #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
13) "DfT & IPA (treasury) have taken steps in past year to learn lessons on major projects and ensure risks managed more effectively" #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
14) But review says “the govt needs to continue to ensure lessons are fully embedded at all stages - including project design and delivery. Need to consider how to better involve parliament in setting realistic budgets for major projects.” #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
We're now moving onto the Exec Summary... "The review considers that, on balance, ministers should proceed with the HS2 project, subject to the following conclusions and a number of qualifications." #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
16) “The original rationale for HS2 still holds - there is a need for greater capacity and reliability on the GB rail network as a whole.” #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
17) “there are no shovel-ready alternative investments in the existing network…if HS2 were to be cancelled, many years of planning work would be required to identify, design and develop new proposals." #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
18) "The upgrading of existing lines would also come at a high passenger cost with significant disruption.” #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
19) “There would be serious consequences for the supply chain, the fragile UK construction industry and confidence in UK infrastructure planning if HS2 were to be cancelled at this late stage.” #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
20) “…accordingly, the review strongly advises against cancelling the HS2 scheme.” #HS2 #HS2reviewconclusions
Now taking a break to do some filming. Will start another thread on the #HS2reviewconclusions later on today.
