Regional delivery authorities needed to realise HS2 growth

HS2′s Growth Taskforce has recommended setting up local delivery bodies to maximise the benefits created by high-speed rail up and down the country.

Presenting a new report today, the taskforce set out a series of measures that it believes will ensure HS2 delivers the level of growth expected.

Recommendations include; engaging with local leaders and businesses to invest in integrated transport links, communicating career opportunities to young people and helping British firms to bid for HS2 contracts.

The report also recommends the Government appoint a HS2 Minister to oversee the delivery of the project’s growth strategy.

“HS2 can help rebalance the economy, kick-starting growth and regeneration in our cities,” reads the report.

“Our recommendations call on HS2 places to develop dedicated HS2 Growth Strategies to bring forward development earlier and to establish dedicated delivery bodies to coordinate investment around HS2 stations.

“The Government should support local authorities to deliver their HS2 growth strategies and provide national coordination through a central delivery body (which works with local delivery bodies).

“To ensure growth and regeneration around HS2 remains a priority, the Government should appoint a Minister with responsibility for overseeing this support and delivery of the strategies.”

Lord Deighton, taskforce chairman, said: “Like the Olympics,HS2 has the potential to be a great British success story, bringing jobs and growth to the whole country. Our report sets out the common sense steps that we need to take now to achieve this.”

A copy of the full report can be accessed here.