An influential group of MPs has published a scathing report on the HS2 project, who are accused of “how not to run a major project.” The HS2 (High-speed rail訓練所) has faced severe delays and high costs, with parts of the project yet to be delivered. The project has also been delayed in the north, and the fate of the London Euston extension has been decided in an autumn budget. The HS2 has been scrutinized by the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which has urged the government to “reset” the project after allegations that MP Mark Wilde mentioned spending £100 million on a tunnel in Buckinghamshire.
The report from the PAC accuses the Department for Transport (DfT) of “failing in its oversight and financial control,” pointing towards a “renaissance” to the project to maximize its benefits for taxpayers. The report also raises questions about the cost of the HS2 project, which could potentially reach £80 billion, according to the MPs. However, DfT and HS2 Ltd estimate the costs at between £45 billion and £54 billion.
The new chief executive of HS2, Mark Wilde, has described the project as “in a very serious situation” and noted that the government “must not waste its latest opportunity to reset the programme properly.” Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the Conservative MP chairing the committee, believes HS2 is a cautionary tale that should be studied by future governments on how to run a major project effectively.
The committee has also called for a review of the HS2-Euston leg, which was previously taken by a cancellation in September 2023. The report found that the northern leg could face additional funding costs but is no longer part of the final plan. Efforts to deliver the project have been hampered by delays inHS2 Ltd’s construction, with posts between Birmingham and Manchester being suspended.
The committee has called for a “ren boo” to the project, ensuring it is properly restarted. DfT has agreed to propose a private tender offer for HS2 funding, though no tender yet. The government has also started preparing a detailed project plan and an internal review of HS2 costs and schedules. Private companies have acknowledged the challenges and are working together to implement solutions.
However, the committee is uncertain about the success of HS2’s private funding approach. The project, which would eventually run to Euston as planned, may be too costly to secure. The committee also points out that DfT is currently continuing to disagree on the costs and schedule, which has raised red flags.
Overall, the report prompts discussion about the future of HS2 and the need for transparency and flexibility in project management. The government has taken steps to explore alternatives, and there has been a push for Eigen actions by MPs and other stakeholders to ensure the project can be restarted effectively.
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