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<p>One of the Government’s key objectives for the HS2 programme is to deliver a step-
change in HS2 Ltd’s performance and to drive improvements in transparency and accountability.
Central to that ambition is to place people - the communities, individuals and businesses
who are being impacted by the new railway - at the heart of everything the Government
does.</p><p> </p><p>It is inevitable that a project the size and scale of HS2 will
be disruptive to people who face losing their homes, relocating their businesses or
having their community disrupted during construction and the future operation of the
railway.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has already introduced a range of property compensation
schemes that seek to strike a sensible balance between supporting those affected and
protecting the public purse. Nevertheless, the Government is determined to ensure
those people and businesses are supported, fairly compensated, and treated with compassion,
dignity and respect.</p><p> </p><p>I therefore commissioned a review in May of the
HS2 land and property acquisition programme. This review is examining HS2 Ltd’s land
and property acquisition processes and, where the evidence demonstrates it, associated
wider-government policies. It is looking at what can be done to streamline claims
and payments to remove unnecessary delay and frustration for people who are giving
up land for the scheme.</p><p> </p><p>Work on the review has involved close joint-working
between the Department and HS2 Ltd, and engagement with numerous stakeholders, including
all line of route MPs. The Government expects the review to conclude shortly. A copy
of the final report and proposals for change will be placed in the Libraries of the
Houses of Parliament.</p><p> </p>
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