Agenda item

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Economy updated the committee on the economic impact of HS2 in Staffordshire and the action taken to mitigate it. The County Council did not support HS2 and recognised the significant human impact of the scheme. The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member confirmed that he remained focused on getting the best deal for Staffordshire in terms of mitigation, compensation for residents, improved connectivity and economic benefits.

He identified some positives - following petitioning during the parliamentary process for Phase One, the Handsacre link would be constructed with potential large scale development in Stafford coming on the back of that. HS2 Ltd had committed to use local suppliers, materials and labour in Staffordshire where possible and although difficult to quantify, there would be spending in local communities by the HS2 workforce.  There was also potential for delivery of HS2 highway works through the I+ partnership which could generate income for the council and there could be some opportunities for apprenticeships and local jobs created.

However, there would be disruption to drivers on the road network during construction as well as disruption due to construction noise.  There would inevitably be loss of environmental habitats although the economic impact of these was difficult to quantify there would be impact on tourism.    

Any real benefits would not be felt until after construction and were not defined – the stop at Stafford should generate a boost to the economy of the town centre – and there were opportunities in the north of the county opening up the A53 corridor.  

The Chairman acknowledged that while any benefit to the county was some way off, already the disruption was being felt and asked to what extent the council understood the positives and negatives and how well prepared are they. 

The Cabinet Member said that there had been a clear commitment from HS2 to use local goods and services but that had not been quantified.  The HS2 Project Manager agreed that HS2 had not quantified their intentions clearly but they had made the supply chain and local businesses aware of them.

A Member described work ongoing by HS2 in Hints and the significant disruption that was causing with very little support from HS2. Many complaints had been made by local residents. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the disruption at Hints. The Member regretted that south east Staffordshire were not likely to experience any direct benefit from HS2 due to the decision to not open a station in the locality but were experiencing the grief.

A Member welcomed improved connectivity in the north of the county and hoped opportunities would be taken to improve existing rail services as a result.

The Cabinet Member said there had been some research into offsetting the impact of HS2 and improving other lines and there was ongoing dialogue with the DfT. He believed all lines would benefit from linking to HS2 and there was potential to connect the Moorlands with Stoke – this would be explored further.  When the construction phase gets underway other benefits could be identified. 

A Member acknowledged that there had already been benefits to Kidsgrove station as developers and investors had focussed activity there since there was a possibility of HS2 coming through to Crewe. It was important to address residents’ concerns however and the council must be ready to support them. The Cabinet Member agreed that the Councils response had been ongoing for many years and its role continued to be to extract the maximum benefit and to mitigate any damage.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change was clear on her duty to hold HS2 to account and to minimise the impact of harm to the environment. 

The select committee would have an important role in monitoring the ongoing impact of HS2 and holding both the Cabinet Member and HS2 to account.

RESOLVED That (a) the work undertaken in relation to HS2 programme be noted; and

(b) the Prosperous Staffordshire Select Committee include HS2 as a standing item at each meeting to be attended by the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Economy and /or the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change and for a representative from HS2 to attend on a quarterly basis to address the committees concerns and explore opportunities.