THE £32billion cost of High Speed Two has been linked to redundancies and ticket office closures on Britain’s rail network.

The Department for Transport (DfT) announced plans last week to reduce by 30 per cent the subsidies it hands out to private rail firms to cover running costs.

The government currently pays about £4bn each year to the rail industry, significantly more than when it was operated by nationalised British Rail but fares on the network are still Europe’s highest.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening last week announced her efficiency plans, which include closer working between Network Rail and line operators, new potential private sector partnerships and greater involvement of local authorities.