(1)The Secretary of State may pay grants to contribute to the funding of activities or projects that are intended—
(a)to benefit communities that are, or are likely to be, disrupted by the carrying out of relevant high speed railway works,
(b)to benefit the environment in any area that is, or is likely to be, affected by the carrying out of such works, or
(c)to support businesses and other economic activities in areas that are, or are likely to be, disrupted by the carrying out of such works.
(2)“"Relevant high speed railway works”” means—
(a)the works authorised by this Act, and
(b)works in connection with a Bill or proposed Bill to authorise works for a high speed railway line connecting with Phase One of High Speed 2.
(3)The reference in subsection (2)(b) to a proposed Bill is to a Bill proposed in a Command Paper which the Secretary of State has presented to Parliament.
(4)The Secretary of State may determine the amount and the manner of payment of grants under this section.
(5)Grants under this section may be subject to conditions determined by the Secretary of State, such as—
(a)conditions as to the use of the grant;
(b)conditions as to the circumstances in which the whole or part of the grant must be repaid.
(6)The Secretary of State may delegate his or her functions under subsections (4) and (5) to another person.