HS2 bosses have announced the creation of a new compensation charter.

The plans are designed to help residents who own properties that may be affected by construction of the high-speed rail network. An independent residents commissioner will also be installed, tasked with producing a monthly progress report to HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins. 

According to officials, the charter will ensure all communications regarding the key areas such as property packages are clear and non-technical. Residents will also be given access to private meetings with property specialists and the organisation claimed it will commit itself to responding to all compensation-related enquiries within a reasonable timeframe.

Sir David commented: "Fairness, transparency and efficiency have to be at the heart of everything we do. People rightly want to know what they're entitled to and how quickly we will deal with their claims."

He added the new charter would ensure all residents could be confident all enquiries would be resolved as quickly as possible.