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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| New HS2 compensation announced | New HS2 compensation announced |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Details have emerged of compensation packages for homeowners and businesses near the HS2 high-speed rail link - even if they do not want to move. | Details have emerged of compensation packages for homeowners and businesses near the HS2 high-speed rail link - even if they do not want to move. |
| Under the proposals the state would buy properties within 60 metres of the line at the full market value plus 10%. | |
| Those up to 120 metres away, who do not want to move, would be eligible for a payment of 10% of the home's value. | Those up to 120 metres away, who do not want to move, would be eligible for a payment of 10% of the home's value. |
| The changes to compensation packages are still to be consulted on but are expected to come in from 2015. | The changes to compensation packages are still to be consulted on but are expected to come in from 2015. |
| HS2 Action Alliance, which opposes the project, said it believed around 500,000 homes would be eligible for compensation. | |
| Ministers are also considering relaxing the rules on buying up homes of those living more than 300 metres from the London to Birmingham route. | |
| Homeowners and small businesses must currently prove they would suffer from "exceptional hardship" from the building of the line. It is proposed this should be replaced by a "compelling reason" to sell. | Homeowners and small businesses must currently prove they would suffer from "exceptional hardship" from the building of the line. It is proposed this should be replaced by a "compelling reason" to sell. |
| Sliding scale | Sliding scale |
| For homes and small businesses up to 60 metres of the line the state would buy up properties at the full unblighted market value, plus 10% (up to £47,000). | For homes and small businesses up to 60 metres of the line the state would buy up properties at the full unblighted market value, plus 10% (up to £47,000). |
| For those within 60 and 120 metres of the line who do not wish to sell the government would pay out cash compensation of 10% of the market value, up to a maximum of £100,000. | For those within 60 and 120 metres of the line who do not wish to sell the government would pay out cash compensation of 10% of the market value, up to a maximum of £100,000. |
| Those within 120 and 300 metres would be offered between £22,500 to £7,500 on a sliding scale, based on distance from the line. The payments are proposed to be tax free. | Those within 120 and 300 metres would be offered between £22,500 to £7,500 on a sliding scale, based on distance from the line. The payments are proposed to be tax free. |
| No limits have been set on how far away from HS2 applicable properties will have to be. | No limits have been set on how far away from HS2 applicable properties will have to be. |
| Further views | |
| Senior HS2 officials say this is because the local environment can vary widely. | Senior HS2 officials say this is because the local environment can vary widely. |
| Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said there would be a consultation on the plans. | Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said there would be a consultation on the plans. |
| He said: "I completely understand the concerns and anxieties of those living near the line and it is only right that those people are properly looked after. | He said: "I completely understand the concerns and anxieties of those living near the line and it is only right that those people are properly looked after. |
| "I believe this package of compensation and assistance will enable us to help people more. But I want to get it absolutely right, so I am asking for further views on some aspects before we finalise plans." | "I believe this package of compensation and assistance will enable us to help people more. But I want to get it absolutely right, so I am asking for further views on some aspects before we finalise plans." |
| Residents' Charter | |
| It was also announced that a Residents' Commissioner would be appointed to hold HS2 Ltd to account. | |
| They will also ensure the company meets standards set out in a Residents' Charter. | |
| But HS2AA said nearly 240,000 homes within one kilometre of the proposed line are likely to suffer losses and that "almost all are ineligible for compensation under the current policy". | |
| Director Hilary Wharf said. "Today's announcement means people may well go to their graves having been locked into homes made unsaleable by HS2. | |
| "That the Department for Transport still proposes to consult on an extreme-needs-based, long-term scheme shuts out most people from getting property compensation for the loss of property value they have been suffering since March 2010 is an act of inhumanity." | |
| But HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins said: "The new Charter and Commissioner will provide residents with the confidence that we'll deal with each case clearly, fairly and as fast as we can." |