• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

MayorWatch

London News and Comment

  • NEWS
  • Twitter

Report: ‘London paying too much for Crossrail’

February 23, 2010 - Martin Hoscik@MayorWatch

Crossrail construction has forced businesses to relocate
Crossrail construction has forced businesses to relocate
London is set to pay “more than its fair share” for Crossrail according to a new report published by the London Assembly Transport Committee.

During its investigations, the committee heard evidence that central government will earn “around £22 billion over ten years” in extra tax revenue, yet is providing just £8 billion towards the scheme’s £15.9 billion funding package with London providing £7.8 billion future fares and a supplement on business rates.

The report – Light at the end of the tunnel: The construction of Crossrail, – also questions why, with 8 of the scheme’s 37 stations outside the Greater London Authority boundary, those areas have been exempted from contributing to the scheme’s costs.

In a key recommendation the committee says, in the event that additional funding is needed, consideration should be given “to extending a Crossrail levy to local authorities on the route outside the GLA boundary.”

The committee also expressed concerns at the way in which compulsory purchases of land and property are being conducted. One company subject to a compulsory purchase order accused Crossrail of “playing hardball” and offering only a “fraction” of moving costs, although Crossrail disputes accusations of bad behaviour and insists it complies with all guidelines and codes of practice governing compulsory purchases.

Launching the report, Caroline Pidgeon AM, Chair of the Transport Committee, said: “London badly needs the extra capacity and economic benefits Crossrail will bring, so political momentum must be maintained over the coming years to ensure the project is delivered.

“Disruption and displacement are inevitable consequences of building a new rail link through central London, but Crossrail’s initial dealings with displaced businesses and residents have been very disappointing. We hope they have learned lessons from these early experiences.”

The report will be formally agreed by the Transport Committee at their 2nd March meeting.

The full report, Light at the end of the tunnel: The construction of Crossrail, is available to download from the london.gov.uk website.

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Tagged With: Crossrail

RECENT UPDATES

TfL proposes bus and tube cuts and annual fares increases to achieve long-term financial sustainability

London’s entire bus fleet now meets ULEZ emissions standards

New road layout comes into effect at Old Street roundabout

TfL funding enables creation of 2,000 new cycle parking spaces




Popular

1,700 extra Santander Cycles are coming to London’s streets

TfL confirms changes to Older Person’s Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster card hours

TfL fares to rise in return for £1.6bn Government rescue package

Election for Mayor of London and London Assembly postponed until 2021

FEATURED

City Hall to move to Docklands as Mayor seeks to raise £55m for frontline services

‘Concern’ over TfL’s ability to deliver major projects in wake of Crossrail cost overruns

City Hall halts London Overground ticket office closures but many will still see opening hours reduced

Transport for London confirms bus cuts will go ahead despite passenger opposition

GOT A STORY?

As the original London news and scrutiny site we've been casting an eye over the capital's public services and politicians since 1999.

 

Many of our top stories started with a tip-off from a reader - if you've got something you'd like us to cover get in touch and we'll do the rest.

Stay In Touch

  • E-mail
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2021 MayorWatch Publications Limited · MayorWatch is Registered Trademark · All Rights Reserved · Contact Us · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy

MayorWatch Publications Limited · 20-22 Wenlock Road · London N1 7GU · Company Number 6291816

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.