Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department is considering a review of the Business and Local Economy Fund eligibility criteria to maximise the ability of appropriate organisations such as not-for-profit and non-statutory bodies to access the grants available.

The objective of the Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) is to add benefit over and above committed mitigation and statutory compensation to support local economies that are demonstrably disrupted by the construction of HS2.

Organisations and groups are eligible to apply for funding if they are formally established for public benefit, are not-for-profit and can show that they meet the minimum requirements for safeguarding public money. Both statutory and non-statutory bodies may apply.

My officials meet regularly with HS2 Ltd, Groundwork UK and the Independent Chair of the BLEF to monitor progress and ensure its objective is being met. To this end, all elements of the Fund (including eligibility criteria) are kept under regular review.