Fight against HS2 line could cost taxpayers £200k
The fight against HS2 could be taken to a Government select committee at a cost of £200,000 to taxpayers, council chiefs revealed today.
Staffordshire County Council is considering petitioning the HS2 Hybrid Bill in Parliament which would see the authority play a key role as the legislation makes it way through Westminster.
It could involve representatives of the county council being called to appear before a select committee, and bosses say preparing for that would cost £200,000.
The decision-making cabinet will be asked next week to support the bid before it goes to a full council vote.
They need to get the support of more than half of all 62 councillors first.
The council, together with Lichfield District Council and community groups, has already submitted a case to HS2 Ltd, to reduce the impact of the first phase of the £50 billion high speed rail project.
It identified £170m of design changes in just the area around Lichfield.
If both phases of the controversial scheme are approved, 45 miles of Staffordshire countryside will be carved up as the route links the capital to Birmingham before forking north to Manchester and Leeds.
A report to councillors estimates that petitioning the Hybrid Bill could cost taxpayers £200,000 if it involves the authority giving evidence to a select committee.
But if the council was to reach an agreement with HS2 Ltd and not appear in front of a select committee costs are estimated to be £140,000.
The council says it will look to share the costs with neighbouring authorities.
The report states: "If left unchallenged the impact of HS2 in Staffordshire has the potential to be significant. The petitioning process is by far the best means to influence the proposals to try and secure maximum mitigation for local communities in Staffordshire."
The authority has come under fire from anti-HS2 campaigners in the county for not joining the 51M group of councils opposing HS2 in the courts. The council has maintained it is better for them to support residents to reduce the impact of the scheme instead of trying to stop it and incur legal fees.
The report adds: "If the council is able to reach agreement and is not required to appear before committee the likely costs are estimated to be £140,000.
"If the council does not resolve all its concerns by agreement, and decides to appear at the Select Committee stage, then additional costs – including legal counsel's fees – will arise."
The cabinet meets next Wednesday.
