Covid Inquiry Costs Taxpayers £161m
£161m spent on public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic
The Covid inquiry has cost the taxpayer more than £161m, according to government figures. The public inquiry into the UK's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic was set up in 2021 to examine the government's response to the crisis.
Inquiry has been criticized for its high cost and slow progress
The inquiry has been criticized for its high cost and slow progress. In July 2023, it was revealed that the inquiry had cost the taxpayer £115m. This figure has now risen to £161m.
The inquiry has also been criticized for its lack of transparency. In May 2023, it was reported that the inquiry had refused to release documents relating to its work.
Inquiry chairman has defended its work
The inquiry chairman, Sir John Saunders, has defended the inquiry's work. He has said that the inquiry is "making good progress" and that it is "committed to transparency."
He has also said that the inquiry's high cost is justified, given the importance of its work.
Related links
- BBC News: Covid inquiry costs taxpayer more than £161m
- The Guardian: Covid inquiry costs taxpayers more than £161m
- The Sun: Covid inquiry costs taxpayers £161m
