Over 700 CPO homes let by government along doomed HS2 rail line

Newspaper report claims some 710 properties have been put into the private rental market by the government - and they are along the former route of the controversial HS2 rail line.

The Daily Mail and the I newspaper claim some £600m of taxpayer's money was spent compulsorily buying up property for Phase 2 of the high speed rail line before Prime Minister Rishi Sunak axed the northern leg ope the route. Even after Sunak announced his decision, some 201 purchases were continued by the government, the papers claim.

Now at least 710 of the properties have been put on the rental market, scheduled to recoup almost £9m a year.

A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd told the i: “We recognise that people did not choose to live in the path of a high speed railway, and understand the frustration they may now feel following the cancellation of the northern sections of HS2. At all times we endeavour to be understanding and to provide appropriate support and guidance.

“Where it is financially advantageous for the taxpayer, we always strive to lease properties on the open market, and HS2 Ltd's agents apply industry standard checks to all prospective tenants.

“Some properties require maintenance to meet current regulations before being let, and any vacant properties are maintained and kept secure with the interests of local residents in mind.”

HS2 was originally intended to be Y-shaped line, linking London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and the Midlands.

Under current plans, Phase One of HS2 involves the railway being built between London and Birmingham - but both elements of Phase 2 have now been scrapped.

Phase 2a would have been from the West Midlands to Crewe, while Phase 2b would have Crewe to Manchester and the West Midlands to the East Midlands. The third and final phase - also cancelled - would have been an eastern leg from Birmingham to Leeds.