Covid Inquiry’s True Cost Skyrockets Past £290 Million, Sparking Efficiency Debate

The government’s expenditure responding to the ongoing public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic has now surpassed £100 million. This significant sum, revealed exclusively to Millenium TV, pushes the total cost to taxpayers beyond £292 million, marking an increase of over 50% from previous estimates focused solely on the inquiry’s direct budget.

The substantial government outlay covers extensive legal counsel and staffing expenses. At its peak, a team of 248 individuals was dedicated across various government departments, meticulously compiling and submitting evidence for the inquiry. Sources close to the inquiry have expressed concerns about the government’s approach, characterizing it at times as “hostile and difficult,” alleging delays in document submission and efforts to impede the release of critical information.

Despite these criticisms, the Cabinet Office maintains its full commitment to the inquiry, emphasizing its dedication to extracting vital lessons for future preparedness. However, both the TaxPayers’ Alliance and Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK have voiced strong opinions regarding the escalating costs and the overall efficiency of the process. While acknowledging the inquiry’s crucial role, the bereaved families group suggests a broader need for public inquiries to become more streamlined and less confrontational.

The Covid-19 inquiry, which commenced in 2022, is not expected to deliver its final report until 2027. Its direct operational costs have already reached £192 million, a figure projected to exceed £200 million by its conclusion, positioning it as one of the most expensive public inquiries in the nation’s history. Out of ten distinct investigations, or modules, only two – focusing on pandemic preparedness and governmental decision-making – have so far been completed.

Millenium TV’s review of departmental spending indicates that government bodies spent approximately £101 million between April 2023 and June 2025. The majority of these costs were absorbed by five key departments: the Cabinet Office, Home Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Treasury, and the UK Health Security Agency, all of which have been repeatedly tasked with providing evidence. This financial assessment notably excludes the countless hours officials dedicate to preparing for and appearing as witnesses.

More than half of the £101 million spent by departments was allocated to legal fees, including the engagement of external legal firms. An inquiry insider suggested that this considerable spending partly reflects a “defensive attitude” adopted by the government towards the investigation.

Indeed, Baroness Hallett, who chairs the inquiry, along with her legal team, has previously criticized government departments for delays in providing documents and obstructing the disclosure of essential information. This contention famously culminated in 2023 with a High Court battle between the inquiry and the government over the refusal to release former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s WhatsApp messages, diaries, and notebooks, a case which the government ultimately lost. Sources have described the government’s response as a “huge operation” that at times appeared “hostile and difficult” to the inquiry’s progress.

A spokeswoman for the Cabinet Office reiterated the government’s full commitment to supporting the inquiry’s work and learning from the pandemic to better prepare the UK for future health crises. The Cabinet Office also asserted that the High Court case was pursued to gain clarity on a matter of principle concerning an inquiry’s right to request information that the provider might deem irrelevant.

John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, condemned the situation, stating, “It’s an absolute disgrace that ministers have burnt through an extra £100 million on top of what the inquiry itself has already spent.” He added that the newly revealed figures indicate the total cost to taxpayers will be “far higher than previously feared,” urging ministers to “urgently get a grip on the spiralling costs of the Covid Inquiry and commit to delivering answers swiftly and efficiently.”

A representative for the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK acknowledged the “vital” nature of the inquiry’s work, suggesting that any costs incurred would be significantly recouped in the future if lessons learned could mitigate the economic impact of the next pandemic and save lives. However, the spokesperson conceded that “The inquiry process is far from perfect” and expressed support for the Hillsborough Law, which seeks to strengthen the legal duty on public authorities to assist public inquiries, aiming to make future inquiries more efficient and less adversarial.

A spokesman for the Covid inquiry highlighted that it is “unlike any previous public inquiry,” given its exceptionally broad scope in investigating numerous facets of a pandemic that impacted every segment of society. He noted that the chair had made it clear from the outset that such an undertaking would require considerable time and expense, but would ultimately yield recommendations designed to enhance the UK’s protection against future pandemics. The spokesman declined to comment on the specifics of its relationship with the government.