NAO details HS2 timetable concerns

The HS2 high-speed rail project has an ‘unrealistic timetable’ and faces major cost pressures, according to the National Audit Office (NAO).

A report by the NAO states that the target opening date of 2026 was ‘at risk, despite good progress’ and claimed that rising costs against an ambitious schedule could affect the delivery of intended benefits.

The £56 billion project cleared its final Commons stage in March and is now being considered by the House of Lords.

However, the NAO has reported that phase one of the project is currently forecast as £204 million over budget - reaching £27.4 billion - with the second phase also exceeding budget in current forecasts.

Amyas Morse, head of the NAO, said: “HS2 is a large, complex and ambitious programme which is facing cost and time pressures. The unrealistic timetable set for HS2 Ltd by the Department [for Transport] means they are not as ready to deliver as they hoped to be at this point. The Department now needs to get the project working to a timescale that is achievable.”

HS2 has, in response, welcomed the report and its confirmation that, whilst many challenges remain, the project is on track both to deliver its strategic scope and to do so on budget.

Simon Kirby, HS2 chief executive, said: “The role of the NAO is to challenge projects such as HS2 and through that challenge, improve the way they deliver for the taxpayer. This report does this and we accept that challenge. It also, however, recognises the real progress we have made in taking the concept of HS2 and moving it nearer reality.”