Covid fraud and error cost taxpayers £10.9bn, report will say

BBC NewsSunday, December 7, 2025 at 3:00:49 PM
Covid fraud and error cost taxpayers £10.9bn, report will say
  • A report is expected to reveal that fraud and errors in Covid support schemes have cost UK taxpayers £10.9 billion, highlighting significant deficiencies in anti-fraud controls. This financial loss raises concerns about the management and oversight of government support during the pandemic.
  • The implications of this report are substantial for the UK government, as it underscores the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to prevent such financial mismanagement in future public health crises. The revelation may also lead to increased scrutiny of government spending and accountability.
  • This situation reflects broader issues regarding the handling of public funds during emergencies, as the government has also faced mounting costs related to the ongoing Covid inquiry, which has reached £192 million. The financial burden of both the fraud and the inquiry raises questions about the effectiveness of crisis response measures and the long-term fiscal impact on taxpayers.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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