HS2 compensation consultation closes 31st Jan

The High Speed 2 compensation consultation closes on 31st Jan.

Advice from the Stop HS2 action group:

With the prospect of a few days off work for many of our readers, we thought you might like to take the time to put together a response for the compensation consultation or the safeguarding consultation which are going on until 31st January 2013.

Main link to the Consultations home page: http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/consultations-0

Overview of the Property and Compensation Consultation http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/consultations/property-compensation-london-to-west-midlands/maps-and-plans

Full Property and Compensation Consultation document (49 pages): http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/sites/highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/files/9213-DfT-HS2-01-PCCS01_TAGGED.PDF

How to respond (on-line and paper doc)  http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/consultations/property-compensation-london-to-west-midlands/how-to-respond

We’d love to see a copy of your response: if you want to share it with us, please email a copy to info@stophs2.org

Tips (if you are writing a short response, some of these might not be relevant):

• Start with a direct response to each question such as “No, I do not agree with …. because ….”  If you do not provide the summary of your key points, you leave it to the person analysing your response to make their own summary of your argument – and remember that they are probably temporary staff/students on low wages who know nothing about the issue!
• Do not say things like “as I said above”. The analyst is not allowed to guess which bit of ‘the above’ you are meaning. If it needs saying again in relation to a particular question, then say it again in your response.
• Feel free to use bullet points, numbering, bold and any other device to make your argument and all of its supporting points crystal clear.
• Please remember that all residents (all your family members) can respond.  If you wish to do this online you will need an email address per respondent as the system only allows one reply per email address.
• Look across all of the questions and stick to the specific issue of each question. However, if there is no place for a particular argument then add it in against the ‘next best’ question and ENSURE IT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR SUMMARY. It is notable (and bad practice) that there is no section for ‘any other issues’ in this consultation. If you need such a section then put it in.
  • The Government says it is interested in
    • whether or not you agree with its proposals
    • why you agree or disagree
    • any additional evidence that you feel it should consider in reaching its final decisions
    • and we are invited to attach additional evidence to the response form, making it clear which question it refers to.