Fury as staggering cost to taxpayers of Covid inquiry revealed – making it most expensive probe in UK history
THE Covid Inquiry will cost taxpayers £208million — the most for any probe in UK history.
Analysis reveals the hearing, which sits until 2026 and employs hundreds of civil servants, costs £150,000 a day.
The bill — £124million by September — will top £200million if the rate continues, it is reckoned.
Chair Baroness Hallett has been paid more than £500,000 and £37.7million will go on legal bills, says the TaxPayers’ Alliance.
Chief John O’Connell said expenses were rising as the inquiry “drags on . . . with no signs of fiscal restraint”.
He said: “The cost of the Covid inquiry has spiralled even further out of control, with taxpayers left footing an ever-growing bill.
“As the inquiry drags on, it’s clear that the expenses are only climbing, with no signs of fiscal restraint in sight.
“The new government should impose a clear deadline and strict controls on expenditure to ensure taxpayers get the swift and decisive answer they deserve.”
An inquiry spokesman claimed the “flawed” analysis was based on hypothetical future expenditure and an imaginary end date.
Ex-Health Secretary Matt Hancock will today appear at the inquiry — which has been blasted for focusing on government dysfunction rather than lockdown costs and benefits.