The government has spent more than £100m responding to the UK’s Covid-19 public inquiry, adding to the £192m already spent by the inquiry itself, new analysis shows. The combined figure means the total cost to taxpayers is more than 50% higher than previously understood, raising fresh scrutiny over one of the most expensive investigations in UK history.
Government spending covers legal advice, staffing and logistical support. At the latest count, 248 officials across major departments had been assigned to gather evidence, respond to requests and prepare witnesses. The inquiry, which began in 2022 and is not due to publish its final report until 2027, is examining every aspect of the UK’s pandemic response through ten investigative modules. Only two have been completed so far.
Rising costs and tensions between inquiry and government
Sources close to the inquiry suggested that the government’s approach has at times slowed progress, describing interactions as “hostile and difficult”. They say repeated delays in handing over documents, as well as efforts to restrict the release of key information, have contributed to higher costs and extended timelines.
Government resistance reached a peak in 2023 when the Cabinet Office attempted to block the inquiry from accessing Boris Johnson’s WhatsApp messages, diaries and notebooks. The dispute went to the High Court, where the government lost. Inquiry chair Baroness Hallett has also criticised departments for further delays in providing evidence, including genetic and decision-making records essential for the investigation.
More than half of the £101m departmental spend has been allocated to legal fees, including hiring external lawyers to manage the volume and sensitivity of material. The five departments incurring the highest costs are the Cabinet Office, Home Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Treasury and the UK Health Security Agency.
Growing criticism amid scrutiny of inquiry efficiency
The financial scale of the inquiry has triggered criticism from campaign groups and fiscal watchdogs. The TaxPayers’ Alliance called the spending “a disgrace”, warning that total costs could escalate even further without firmer controls from ministers. Its chief executive said the government must “get a grip” on rising expenditure and ensure the inquiry delivers answers efficiently.
Bereaved families, however, argue that the inquiry’s work is essential, stressing that its findings could save lives and prevent economic damage in future pandemics. Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK said that although the process was vital, inquiries must become less adversarial and more efficient to avoid unnecessary costs. The group urged support for the proposed Hillsborough Law, currently moving through parliament, which would strengthen the duty of public authorities to cooperate fully with inquiries.
Inquiry defends scope, scale and timeline
A spokesperson for the Covid Inquiry said its broad remit required significant time and resources, noting that it is progressing faster than comparable inquiries. All hearings are expected to conclude by spring 2026, with recommendations that aim to strengthen the UK’s preparedness for future public health emergencies. The spokesperson emphasised that while the inquiry does not comment on its relationship with the government, its work is designed to protect the public by identifying failures and improving national resilience.
The Cabinet Office said it remained committed to supporting the inquiry and learning lessons from the pandemic, adding that its legal challenge in 2023 sought clarity on a principle regarding information requests.
The rising costs come as pressure builds on the government to improve transparency and deliver reforms recommended by earlier modules. With five years of work, millions of documents and extensive public testimony, the inquiry remains under intense national scrutiny as it approaches its next stages.
