HS2 is now recruiting to find a Residents’ Commissioner to help people who are eligible for Government compensation because they live close to the rail line.

The independent role was introduced by HS2 at the same time as revised property compensation packages were announced in April.

At the time, HS2 director general David Prout said: “People felt they were not happy to talk with HS2 so we will be appointing an independent Residents’ Commissioner to hold the company to account and set out how HS2 will behave towards residents as the various compensation schemes get underway and to ensure it meets the standards to be set out in a new Residents’ Charter.”

HS2 say the charter will state what people entitled to compensation can expect from HS2 in terms of communication standards and personal support.

David Higgins, HS2 chairman, said: “Britain needs a new railway line to ease crowding on the current network and to improve connections between our biggest cities. But it is essential that people living close to the planned route understand what payments may be available to them.

“The Residents’ Charter and Commissioner is our commitment to making that happen. The Commissioner is independent and will make their views, findings and recommendations publically available every three months.”

The charter includes a promise to promote awareness of the property schemes that are available so that no-one misses out and HS2 have made a pledge to use clear communication with plain, non-technical language in correspondence and a timely response to all enquiries.

Lottie Jones of Ruislip Against HS2 said: “David Higgins has had to recognise what a poor job HS2 have done so far, dealing with those who are already so adversely affected.

“It’s appalling that yet another big salary is required to oversee this situation and it’s yet another example of how HS2 have failed to deal with residents fairly.

“This is something that should have been in place from the start and will do nothing to help those who have already been treated so badly by HS2.”

The consultation on HS2 compensation schemes closed in September. In its official response, Hillingdon Council said the compensation payments proposed for homeowners living close to the  HS2  line are “too low” and will nowhere near offset the value slashed from their properties by having trains within earshot.

It is a view shared by Hillingdon Against HS2 groups and Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner MP Nick Hurd - who supports a parliamentary debate held in the House of Commons today (Tuesday, October 21) which was secured by Cheryl Gillan, MP for Amersham and Chesham.

She is due to discuss the need for fair compensation for households and communities impacted by HS2 with the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Robert Goodwill MP.

Mr Hurd told constituents he could not attend the debate due to paternity leave after the birth of his son earlier this month.

He said: "I have liaised with Cheryl and she is aware of my main issues and will do her best to register them in her remarks.

"More importantly I have registered our issues directly to the Secretary of State in both a direct letter and a meeting."

Mr Hurd said nobody should have to suffer financial loss or be trapped in their home because of HS2 and if distance from the rail line has to be a defining factor in how much compensation is awarded, then the boundaries should be wider.

Mrs Jones said: “Of the thousands of homes affected by HS2, only a tiny percentage are eligible for any or the compensation schemes, so relatively few people will be helped at all.

“The emphasis should be on treating all those affected by HS2 fairly. We can but hope the government will see sense in response to the latest consultation on compensation."

The Residents' Commissioner is expected to be appointed by HS2 before the end of the year.

More details of their role and the Charter will be available when the final Government package is announced in December.