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The UK government has spent over £100 million responding to the public inquiry into the Covid pandemic, according to information obtained by the BBC. This expenditure is in addition to the £192 million already spent by the inquiry itself, indicating that the total cost to taxpayers has exceeded previous estimates by more than 50%. Government spending on the inquiry mainly covers legal fees and staffing, with a team of 248 personnel working across various departments to compile evidence.
Those involved in the inquiry have expressed concerns about the government’s approach, describing it as sometimes “hostile and difficult,” citing delays in the release of documents and obstacles in providing key information. The Cabinet Office, however, insists it remains fully committed to supporting the inquiry and learning lessons to improve preparedness for future pandemics.
The Covid Inquiry commenced in 2022 and is expected to conclude with a final report in 2027. It is one of the most costly public inquiries in UK history, with current expenses reaching £192 million and projections suggesting costs will surpass £200 million. The investigation is divided into ten modules, with just two—focusing on pandemic preparedness and government decision-making—completed so far. Analysis of Cabinet Office documents reveals that government departments have collectively spent approximately £101 million from April 2023 to June 2025, mainly incurred by five key departments including the Cabinet Office, Home Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Treasury, and UK Health Security Agency.
These figures do not account for the time officials spend preparing for and appearing as witnesses. Over half of the £101 million is attributed to legal fees, including the hiring of external lawyers. One inquiry source linked these costs to the government’s defensive stance towards the inquiry. Inquiry chair Baroness Hallett and the legal team have publicly criticized government departments for delays in providing documents and attempts to block the release of important material. This tension culminated in a 2023 High Court battle over the government’s refusal to disclose former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s WhatsApp messages, diaries, and notebooks—a case the government ultimately lost. A Cabinet Office spokesperson explained that the legal case was initiated to clarify the principle of an inquiry’s right to request information deemed irrelevant by the provider.
Criticism of the inquiry’s spending has come from the TaxPayers’ Alliance. John O’Connell, the organization’s chief executive, called the additional £100 million expense “an absolute disgrace,” urging ministers to control the escalating costs and ensure timely and efficient delivery of answers. Meanwhile, the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK acknowledged the inquiry’s importance, emphasizing that investing in lessons learned could prevent future economic fallout and save lives. However, they also noted that public inquiries need to be more efficient and less adversarial. The group supports the Hillsborough Law currently progressing through Parliament, which would increase the legal obligation for public authorities to cooperate with inquiries. They argue that improvements in process would help reduce costs while safeguarding access to justice.
A spokesperson for the Covid Inquiry highlighted that this inquiry is unprecedented in scope as it addresses multiple facets of a pandemic that affected all of society. The chair has warned from the outset that the inquiry’s comprehensive nature entails significant time and expense but is expected to produce recommendations to enhance the country’s response to future pandemics. The inquiry declined to comment on its relationship with the government
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