A new report by the London Assembly Transport Committee raises concerns that London has been burdened unfairly with the costs of Crossrail and criticises the way compulsory purchases of businesses and homes have been handled.

In its report, 'Light at the end of the tunnel', the Committee offers strong support for the £16 billion rail link, but questions why London is contributing more than half of the funding for a project that is estimated to generate £22 billion for central government over the next ten years.

The report also highlights the fact that eight of the 37 Crossrail stations are outside Greater London, yet only London businesses are contributing to Crossrail through business rates.

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The Committee is highly critical of Crossrail's dealings with displaced businesses and residents whose premises are compulsory purchased to make way for construction work. Some compulsory purchase negotiations with businesses and residents in Soho have been poorly handled and the report urges Crossrail to lift its game as the project progresses.

Caroline Pidgeon AM, Chair of the Transport Committee, said: "With construction accelerating over the next year we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for Crossrail.

"London badly needs the extra capacity and economic benefits Crossrail will bring, so political momentum must be maintained over the coming years to ensure the project is delivered.

"Disruption and displacement are inevitable consequences of building a new rail link through central London, but Crossrail's initial dealings with displaced businesses and residents have been very disappointing. We hope they have learned lessons from these early experiences."

(CD)