TROO0292 HS2 Parliamentary Agents Phase 1 & 2a

The Department for Transport (DfT) is looking to appoint an Roll A Parliamentary Agent to support the implementation of the High Speed Rail (London-West Midlands) Act 2017 and the High Speed Rail (West Midlands to Crewe) Act 2021 and the successful delivery of the associated sections of HS2 Phase One and Phase 2a.

The initial contract period will be for 36 months with an option to extend by a further 12 months and then another 12 months depending on business need and performance. In summary this will be a 3 + 1 + 1 year contract.

This is a niche contract which requires specialist Roll A Parliamentary Agents to support the completion of a number of activities which are essential for the successful implementation of the HS2 Phase One and 2a Acts. DfT has had access to Parliamentary Agent services in relation to HS2 Phase One since 2012 and more recently on Phase 2a, and also uses Parliamentary Agent services in relation to the promotion of the HS2 Phase 2b Western Leg Bill.

This is a specialist area of legal advice with only a small number of suitably qualified firms able to offer the necessary expertise. (Note that as Phase 2a has now received Royal Assent and joined Phase One in 'delivery mode,' we are now proposing to consolidate these two phases as the nature of the work is now aligned and there are likely to be efficiencies to be gained (e.g. issues of interpretation that are common to both). Conversely, as the Phase 2b Bill for the Western Leg remains in its pre-Royal Assent Parliamentary phase, we propose to retain the existing, separate arrangements for that phase.)

Whilst the specification is still being finalised, it is likely to cover but not limited to the following areas:

• completion of a small number of outstanding complex agreements with stakeholders
• monitoring compliance with around 6,000 Undertakings & assurances (“U&As) that were entered into by the Secretary of State with those affected by the scheme
• drafting and/or correction of necessary Orders, Directions, Decision Letters or Guidance documents flowing from the Acts
• ensuring that the numerous “post Royal Assent activities” required by the Act, and other ongoing responsibilities conferred on the Secretary of State, are successfully discharged in a timely and effective manner