Overview

This bill proposes a nationwide referendum in the UK to decide whether taxpayers should fund the construction of the HS2 high-speed rail project. The referendum must take place before construction begins.

Description

The HS2 Funding Referendum Bill mandates a public vote on the financial support of the HS2 railway project by UK taxpayers. The referendum must occur before construction commences. The Secretary of State will set the date, providing at least three months' notice. The ballot question will be: "Do you support the use of UK taxpayers’ money to pay for the construction of the HS2 railway?". A Welsh version of the question will also be included. Parliament must approve the regulations governing the referendum. Voting eligibility mirrors parliamentary elections. The Electoral Commission is responsible for creating and distributing an information booklet summarizing the costs and benefits of HS2 for taxpayers.

Government Spending

The bill will require government funding for the Secretary of State's expenses related to the referendum, the Electoral Commission's costs in producing and distributing the information booklet, and any additional costs stemming from this Act.

Groups Affected

• UK Taxpayers: Directly affected by the financial implications of the referendum result.
• Electoral Commission: Responsible for organizing and managing the referendum and producing the information booklet.
• HS2 Project: The outcome of the referendum will directly determine the future of the project.
• Parliament: Involved in approving the regulations for the referendum.
• Secretary of State: Responsible for setting the referendum date and overseeing its implementation.

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