Compulsory purchase and compensation update – 2014

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to summarise and analyse the new compensation provisions brought in by the government for Phase 1 of the HS2 high-speed train line. Design/methodology/approach – To summarise each of the proposals and provide a critical assessment of each of them. Findings – For the most part, and the Homeowner Payment Scheme (HPS) is a marked exception, the new HS2 compensation provisions set out a logical approach to reducing the impact of the scheme on the people most directly affected by its blighting affect. There are, however, a number of concerns as to whether there are more urgent reforms that have not been considered. Research limitations/implications – The proposals were announced in April and in respect of some of them, particularly the HPS, very little information is available as yet. Practical implications – The paper should provide factual information on a very new set of compensation provisions and a critical appraisal of their value. Originality/value – As the compensation provisions have been published only recently there will be few other similar commentaries available.