Fact Check: "HS2 bat structure: £91 million already spent, with costs rising!"
What We Know
The claim regarding the HS2 bat structure suggests that £91 million has already been spent and that costs are rising. The chairman of HS2, Sir John Thompson, indicated that the project involves a significant investment of approximately £100 million for a shield designed to protect bats in ancient woodlands in Buckinghamshire (BBC). This structure is part of a broader environmental mitigation effort, as the UK faces a biodiversity crisis, with many species, including bats, being legally protected under various regulations (BBC).
The Department for Transport (DfT) and HS2 Ltd have stated that the current estimated cost of the bat mitigation structure is around £95 million, which includes both above-ground and below-ground civil works (Rail Magazine). However, there have been reports suggesting that costs could potentially rise to £125 million, although HS2 Ltd has dismissed these claims as speculative and based on inflation adjustments (Politico).
Analysis
The claim that £91 million has already been spent is somewhat misleading. While it is true that significant funds have been allocated to the bat structure, the most recent figures from HS2 Ltd indicate that the cost remains around £95 million, not £91 million as claimed. This figure is based on a breakdown of costs provided to the House of Commons’ Public Accounts Committee, which detailed various components contributing to the overall expense (Rail Magazine).
The assertion that costs are rising is more complex. HS2 Ltd has acknowledged that the costs have increased from initial estimates, primarily due to design changes and the need to accommodate additional infrastructure, such as local rail services (BBC). However, the company also emphasizes that much of the reported increases stem from inflation and the long timeline of the project, which has led to outdated cost projections (Rail Magazine).
The reliability of the sources is generally strong, with information coming from official statements by HS2 Ltd and the DfT, as well as reputable news outlets like the BBC and Politico. However, it is essential to note the potential for bias in media reporting, particularly when discussing government projects that are often scrutinized for cost overruns and inefficiencies.
Conclusion
The claim that "£91 million already spent, with costs rising" is Partially True. While it reflects the reality of significant investment in the HS2 bat structure, the specific figure of £91 million is not accurate, as the current estimate stands at approximately £95 million. Additionally, while costs are indeed rising due to various factors, the context of these increases—primarily inflation and project modifications—needs to be considered. Therefore, the claim contains elements of truth but lacks precise accuracy.
