The government has commissioned an independent review into the HS2 project, transport secretary Grant Shapps has announced.
The review will be headed by former Crossrail chairman Douglas Oakervee, working with Lord Berkeley as his deputy.
It will consider HS2’s benefits and impacts as well as its affordability and efficiency, its phasing, including its relationship with Northern Powerhouse Rail, and its deliverability and scope.
A final report will be submitted to Shapps, with oversight by prime minister Boris Johnson and chancellor Sajid Javid, by the autumn.
The government said “limited, largely preparatory works” on the project will continue in parallel with the report’s work.
Oakervee and Lord Berkeley will be supported in their work by a panel of experts from business, academia and the transport sector, who will each be consulted on the report’s conclusions.
Shapps said: “The Prime Minister has been clear that transport infrastructure has the potential to drive economic growth, redistribute opportunity and support towns and cities across the UK, but that investments must be subject to continuous assessment of their costs and benefits.
‘Rigorous review’
“That’s why we are undertaking this independent and rigorous review of HS2.
“Douglas Oakervee and his expert panel will consider all the evidence available, and provide the department with clear advice on the future of the project.”
Oakervee said: “The prime minister has asked me to lead this important review into the HS2 programme. I looking forward to working with my deputy, Lord Berkeley, to advise the government on how and whether to progress with HS2, based on all existing evidence.”
