HS2 Bill Introduced

The hybrid Bill to permit the construction of the High Speed 2 railway between London and Birmingham received its first reading in the House of Commons on the 25^th November.  A hybrid Bill contains elements of both public and private Bills.  Essentially, they are Government legislation, but they affect certain individuals and bodies in specific ways due to the nature of infrastructure projects (i.e. those having property near the proposed line).  More details on hybrid Bills is available at – http://www.parliament.uk/business/bills-and-legislation/current-bills/previous-bills/hybrid-bills/   Those that wish to object can petition Parliament during the course of the process.  The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent in 2015 with construction commencing the following year.  Trains would start running in 2026.  The estimated cost of the first stage is currently put at £22bn, with around the same amount again required for stage two to Leeds and Manchester.  A HS2 ‘Paving Bill’  has recently received Royal Assent – this releases further funds to allow preparatory work to continue, including the purchase of properties affected by the line.