Covid inquiry costs soar to £208m

The Covid inquiry is projected to cost taxpayers £208m, making it the most expensive investigation in British history. Analysis by the TaxPayers’ Alliance reveals that nearly £150,000 is spent daily, with £37.7m allocated for legal counsel and £557,000 for chairwoman Baroness Hallett. The inquiry, established in June 2022, is expected to continue until 2026, with a final report due in 2027. John O’Connell, head of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “The new government should impose a clear deadline and strict controls on expenditure to ensure taxpayers get the swift and decisive answer they deserve.” In contrast, a spokesman for the inquiry dismissed the analysis as flawed, emphasising its broad scope and unique nature.