Pincher calls for changes to Exceptional Hardship Scheme

Tamworth’s Member of Parliament, Christopher Pincher, last week called upon Transport Secretary Justine Greening to offer compensation to anyone suffering planning blight as a result of HS2.  His intervention came in the House of Commons after Ms. Greening announced that she will press ahead with plans to build the new rail line.  She was question by seventy four Members of Parliament about the proposals with many expressing reservations about the scheme.

Mr. Pincher said:

“My right hon. Friend [Justine Greening] will be aware that many people believe the present exceptional hardship scheme to be inconsistent and unfair. Can she confirm that her proposed refreshed hardship scheme will be consistent and will ensure that anybody affected by blight who wishes to move will be properly compensated? Those people should not be penalised for living in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

The Transport Secretary responded by saying:

“I have been keen to look at what we can do to improve the effectiveness of the hardship scheme. My hon. Friend will know that we have received around 240 applications from people. With the finalised line of route, some of those will obviously be from people in areas that will now see real mitigation. The point of the consultation, which will happen in the spring, is to ensure that we finalise those details. I very much urge him and his constituents to respond to the consultation, so that we can reach a final version of the scheme that delivers what we want, which is a fair deal for the people affected.”

After the Statement Mr. Pincher commented:

“I am pleased the government will consult on a more appropriate compensation scheme for people affected by HS2 planning blight.  I hope as many people as possible will contribute so we can persuade the Department for Transport to make the scheme as wide and as fair as possible.”

“I will also request an urgent meeting with the Transport Secretary to explain to her my constituents’ very real concerns about the proposals for HS2 and the decision to press ahead without any further mitigation for our part of the world.”

The proposals have cross party support with Labour and the Lib Dems making clear they support high speed rail.  The original proposals for the line were published by Labour Transport Secretary Lord Adonis in March 2010.