Wed, 03 Dec 2025

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 Government racks up £100m bill responding to Covid inquiry

BBC analysis shows cost to taxpayer is 50% higher than thought, with inquiry's own costs at £192m.

* Total cost to government: £101m
* Breakdown: + Legal fees: over half (£50-60m) + Staffing costs: significant, but exact figure not disclosed
* Government response to inquiry has been "hostile and difficult", according to inquiry sources
* 248 staff across key departments working on the inquiry
* Final report expected in 2027, with total cost estimated to exceed £200m
* Inquiry chair Baroness Hallett and legal team have criticized government departments for delays providing documents and blocking release of information
  >>