Compensation addressed by HS2’s residents’ champion

Deborah Fazan was appointed as the HS2 Residents’ Commissioner in January and her first report has now been published, setting out plans for clear access to compensation for residents along the proposed route.

Making her first comments, she said: “It is vital that those who are eligible for the Government’s property compensation and assistance schemes get clear information and know what they are entitled to.

“My role is to ensure that this happens.”

The report sets out recommendations to enhance community engagement, and to better understand communication needs so that residents can easily access compensation schemes available.

The commissioner is continuing to monitor the implementation of the property schemes and will meet with MPs along the London to Birmingham line to speak about the impact on communities.

She has also made some suggested amendments to the Residents’ Charter, largely for clarification. The revised charter will be published after approval from the HS2 Ltd board.

HS2 Ltd chairman David Higgins is due to release a response to the report “shortly”.