House of Lords to hear NFU evidence to ensure farmers receive fair deal on HS2

NFU to give evidence to House of Lords on HS2 petition
NFU to give evidence to House of Lords on HS2 petition

A group of peers is to hear evidence from the NFU based on its petition to the House of Lords to ensure farmers affected by HS2 are receiving a fair deal.

The evidence session in front of the House of Lords Select Committee is due to take place on Tuesday (July 5).

It is the second time the NFU has submitted a petition on HS2 giving NFU leaders another opportunity to push key NFU demands - the first was to the House of Commons was in May 2014.

Demands for HS2
Demands for HS2

NFU rural surveyor Louise Staples, who will go before the Select Committee, said: "It is imperative we ensure that the House of Lords is fully aware of the impact of HS2 on farming and the pressing need to mitigate its effect.

"The rail line is set to have an impact on hundreds of farms along the route so I will be explaining to peers how important the land being taken is to food production and farming businesses."

Some of the NFU’s specific asks of government on HS2 include:

Capital Gains Tax - There should be a capital gains tax exemption due to the size of the scheme and the land take required. If not the time period should be extended to ten years as highlighted by the Select Committee.

Drainage - stronger commitments required over rectification of damage to land drainage systems still required.

Utilities and Culverts – landowners need to be able to install cables and pipes under the railway line and not to be ransomed.

Remedial Works - Concern raised over damage caused during construction being remedied promptly. Further clarification sought on how the Small Claims scheme and the Construction Commissioner will work.

Temporary possession for maintenance - If land to be taken for maintenance, then six months requested but only 28 days’ notice given.