Background
The High Speed Two (HS2) programme aims to build a high-speed, high-capacity railway between London and Birmingham. The Department for Transport (DfT) is the programme’s sponsor, responsible for funding and overseeing delivery. High Speed Two Limited (HS2 Ltd), an arm’s-length body of DfT, is responsible for delivering an operational railway.
Following the cancellation of Phase 2 of HS2 for routes beyond Birmingham in October 2023, DfT and HS2 Ltd are now resetting the programme to set it up for successful delivery. They expect to complete the reset during 2027 and, as part of ongoing work, published revised cost and schedule estimates for the programme in May 2026.
Scope
We previously reported on the HS2 programme in July 2024, and examined the steps taken following the cancellation of Phase 2 of the programme.
This report will examine whether HS2 Ltd and DfT are taking reasonable steps to plan, assure and implement the reset of the HS2 programme. It will include progress with the reset activity, developments at London Euston and also progress with the closedown of Phase 2.
We are reporting while the reset is underway to support Parliamentary scrutiny.
NAO team
Director: Jonny Mood
Audit Manager: Martin Chong