HS2 Exceptional Hardship Scheme

On 26 July 2010 the Secretary of State for Transport announced that there will be an Exceptional Hardship Scheme for those whose properties are affected by the High Speed Rail proposals. Each case will be considered on its merits and there is no specific definition of what 'in the vicinity of the proposed rail line' means. The Scheme is now open for applications. Guidance on how to apply to the EHS, & more information on the scheme can be found at the following web address:

http://www.hs2.org.uk/exceptional-hardship-scheme/EHS-Guidance-and-Application-Form-57988

From the Frequently Asked Questions attached to the guidance and application form:

What is the Exceptional Hardship Scheme and how do I apply for it?

The Exceptional Hardship Scheme (EHS) is a voluntary purchase scheme designed to assist certain property owners whose properties may be affected by High Speed 2 (HS2) Ltd’s recommended route for a new high speed rail line between London and the West Midlands, and who urgently need to sell their properties before any final decision on a high speed rail line is taken. The property would need to be on or in the vicinity of HS2 Ltd’s Route Option 3. Overview and detailed maps of Route Option 3 can be found at the following address:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/route/.

Those property owners would need to meet certain criteria and would apply for their properties to be bought by the Government.
You can find a copy of guidance on the EHS, which contains an application form, at www.hs2.org.uk/exceptional-hardship-scheme. This explains:

- what property owners need to do in order to apply for the Government to buy their property;

- what are the circumstances under which a property could qualify for the scheme; and

- the process for dealing with applications.

Alternatively, you can get a free copy of the guidance and application form by contacting the HS2 enquiry line on 020 7944 4908. Copies are also being sent to central libraries along the line of the route.

Did I have to submit my application by 20 August if I wanted to apply for the EHS?

No. 20 August is the date on which the EHS started operation. You can now submit your application if you believe that you meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme and would like the Government to buy your property. The scheme will remain in place and applications can be submitted until at least such time as the Government takes a decision following public consultation on whether to proceed with a new high speed line and, if so, on the route that it would take. At this point, if the Government decides after consultation to proceed with a new high speed line then other arrangements would be put in place to help affected property owners. This is likely to be in late 2011. Until then, there will be no deadline by which applications for the EHS must be sent in.

I would be interested to hear from any property owners in the Steeple Claydon or Calvert area who are considering applying for this scheme.