Damning report from PAC on HS2

The High Speed 2 (HS2) project has come under fierce criticism from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which has labelled it a “case book example of how not to run a major project.”

In its latest report, the PAC delivers a damning assessment of the scheme, condemning the lack of clear costs, uncertain final scope, and ongoing delays—more than a decade after the project was given the green light.

Repeated Failures and Cost Uncertainty

The committee’s findings highlight fundamental failures in governance and oversight, stating:

“It is unacceptable that over a decade into the programme, we still do not know what it will cost, what the final scope will be, when it will finally be completed, or what benefits it will deliver.”

The report criticises the Department for Transport (DfT) and HS2 Ltd for failing to break out of a cycle of repeated failure, pointing out that a major reset was already required in 2020 due to escalating costs and delays.

Despite this, the committee warns that another reset is now needed just four years later, raising serious doubts over whether this attempt will fare any better. The DfT and HS2 Ltd have committed to completing the reset by mid-2026, including revised costs and benefits, but governance changes could come sooner.

Euston Plans ‘Hugely Risky’

The report also casts serious doubt on HS2’s future at Euston, describing the plans as “hugely risky” due to uncertainties around cost, scope, funding, and scheduling.

The Autumn 2024 Budget confirmed HS2 would terminate at London Euston instead of Old Oak Common, yet the full extent of work required at Euston remains unclear. The PAC highlights multiple challenges, including:

🔹 Construction of the new HS2 station.
🔹 Redevelopment of the existing Network Rail station.
🔹 Upgrades to the London Underground station.
🔹 Surrounding infrastructure projects in a highly congested area.

The Government aims to secure £6 billion in private sector investment for Euston’s development, but the PAC is sceptical that this funding will materialise. Meanwhile, businesses, residents, and passengers face years of ongoing disruption with no clear resolution in sight.

Calls for Urgent Oversight Improvements

The PAC is now pressing the Government for details on how it will improve oversight and ensure greater financial control of the project.

With costs spiralling, timelines slipping, and uncertainty still looming, HS2’s future remains in question—while taxpayers continue to foot the bill.