Chair recruited for £30M HS2 community and business funds

Cathy Elliot is to be the Independent Chair of the panel overseeing the delivery of the HS2 Community and Business Funds.

Cathy Elliot, currently Chief Executive of Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside, will be the Independent Chair of the panel overseeing the delivery of the HS2 Community and Business Funds.

The £30M programme will offer additional support to communities and local economies, which are disrupted by the construction of the high speed rail link between London and the West Midlands.

The first of two funds, The Community and Environment Fund (CEF) will provide benefits to local communities who are affected by Phase one section of the network which covers 140 miles between London and the West Midlands.

This will be in addition to the comprehensive mitigation already set out in the Bill currently going through Parliament.

The second fund is the Business and Local Economy Fund, which will support and promote local economies that are demonstrably disrupted by the construction of HS2.

Once the Parliamentary Bill is granted Royal Assent, both funds will be available.

Cathy Elliot’s first job as the Chair will be to work with project sponsor HS2 Ltd to finalise the eligibility criteria for the funds and recruit other members of the board along with the management body that will administer the grants.

Welcoming the appointment, HS2 Ltd CEO, Simon Kirby said: “This is an important stage in the development of two funding programmes that will offer extra help to those that are directly impacted by the construction of this much-needed new rail network.

“Cathy’s considerable experience and leadership will help make sure that we put in place a grants programme that really delivers on its aims.”

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “I welcome Cathy Elliott in her new role as Chair of these two very important initiatives, her extensive experience will be a real asset to the panel, and will help to ensure eligible communities and businesses receive the additional support available to them.”

 

The post Chair recruited for £30M HS2 community and business funds appeared first on UK Construction Online.