Another HS2 delay... over whether to scrap it

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The decision on whether to scrap HS2 has been delayed until the end of the year, the Daily Mail understands.

Treasury officials are examining the high speed rail line – which is expected to cost around £56billion – as part of an audit of major capital projects.

It was expected to report within months and would have heaped pressure on ministers to scrap the project.

But Whitehall sources said ‘slow progress’ meant the review was ‘not ready’ and had been pushed back by months.

The revelation will dash hopes that HS2 could be killed off in short order. Billions more could be committed to the project this year as part of Chancellor Philip Hammond’s spending review. But the review is unlikely to arrive in time to influence the outcome.

In recent weeks, Downing Street has insisted HS2 will go ahead despite rising dissent. Opponents are said to include Treasury Chief Secretary Liz Truss, Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom and David Lidington, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Concerns mounted after an investigation revealed HS2 could cost up to £6billion a year over a decade – the equivalent of the entire maintenance budget for the existing rail network.