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Burnham Proposes Business Funding for HS2 Phase 2, Expert Skeptical

7/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Andy Burnham said HS2 Phase 2 could be funded by business contributions and land-value capture.
He pledged to reinstate the West Midlands-to-North West line as officials review the plan.
Officials estimate the 89-mile route could cost up to £65 billion at £626-734 million per mile.
Professor Tony Travers warned that land-value capture would raise only modest revenue, making a Crossrail-style business rate unnecessary.

History

Historical Context

Crossrail, the east-west London rail project approved in 2007, began construction in May 2009 after the Crossrail Act 2008 gave TfL and the Treasury powers to raise a £15.9 billion funding package, including a £1 billion European Investment Bank loan. The reliance on a business-rate supplement and land-value capture sparked political resistance, a pattern echoed today in debates over HS2 Phase 2 financing.

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Story summary

Andy Burnham said HS2 Phase 2 could be funded by business contributions and land-value capture.
He pledged to reinstate the West Midlands-to-North West line as officials review the plan.
Officials estimate the 89-mile route could cost up to £65 billion at £626-734 million per mile.
Professor Tony Travers warned that land-value capture would raise only modest revenue, making a Crossrail-style business rate unnecessary.

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