5.8

• What is HS2 and what cities does it link?

  HS2 is a high-speed rail line connecting London and Birmingham, with original plans for links to Manchester and Leeds.
• Why is HS2 controversial?

  It may cause environmental damage, especially to AONBs like the Chilterns, and some argue it doesn't benefit towns in between major cities.
• What are the expected benefits of HS2?

  Faster journeys (London to Birmingham cut from 80 to 49 minutes), 60,000 construction jobs, and regeneration for linked cities.
• Why is the government funding HS2 despite high costs?

  It's seen as a long-term investment to reduce congestion, improve the economy in the North, and generate income from rail franchises
• How much could HS2 cost?

  Estimates range from £50 billion to £66.6 billion.
• Why is housing policy important for regeneration?

  Housing lets people live near where they work and supports growing populations, making it essential for successful regeneration.
• What housing problems does Cornwall face?

  It needs 27,000 new homes annually but only builds 16,000. House prices are 12–16 times higher than local incomes.
• Why is demand for affordable housing rising?

  Due to immigration, high birth rates, more divorces (creating more households), overseas investment, and reduced social housing from the Right to Buy scheme
• What is fracking and why does the UK government support it?

  Fracking extracts gas from underground rock. The government supports it to improve energy security and help with regeneration.
• What are the problems with fracking?

  It can cause subsidence, pollute water supplies, damage rural landscapes, and its jobs only last during extraction.
• What is deregulation and how has it helped regeneration?

  Deregulation in 1986 let overseas banks set up in London freely. It helped grow the financial sector and regenerate Canary Wharf.
• How did joining the EU single market help the UK?

  It allowed free movement of labour, helping balance the ageing population and boost tax income through immigration.
• Why is immigration controversial in regeneration debates?

  Some think it's needed for economic growth and labour, while others worry about population pressures and services.