Covid inquiry expected to 'cost taxpayers £208m' - Enough cash to fund almost 6,000 doctors' salaries

The total projected cost would be equivalent to funding the annual salaries of nearly 6,000 junior doctors.

The investigation, which began on June 28, 2022, is expected to continue until June 2026.

For the same amount of money, the Government could alternatively fund five state-of-the-art hospitals for four years.

The inquiry has already cost more than £124 million since its inception two years ago, with over £70 million spent in the 2023/2024 financial year alone.

Baroness Hallett, who chairs the inquiry, has received £524,000 for her role, with a pro rata rate equivalent to an annual salary of £256,000.

Legal firms and solicitors have been allocated almost £70 million for probing key witnesses and evaluating evidence and testimonies.

The inquiry has also spent £1.2 million on emotional support services to support the wellbeing of participants in hearings and commemoration activities.

High-profile witnesses have included former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and ex-Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Advisor Sir Patrick Vallance have also provided evidence to the committee.

The inquiry is currently approaching the end of its 10-week investigation into healthcare systems, which is just one of ten planned modules.

Critics have raised concerns about the escalating costs of the investigation.

John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "The cost of the Covid inquiry has spiralled even further out of control, with taxpayers left footing an ever-growing bill."

"As the inquiry drags on, it's clear that the expenses are only climbing, with no signs of fiscal restraint in sight," he added.

The TaxPayers' Alliance has called for immediate action to control spending.

"The new government should impose a clear deadline and strict controls on expenditure to ensure taxpayers get the swift and decisive answer they deserve," O'Connell stated.

Some experts have noted that high-profile evidence sessions have focused heavily on WhatsApp messages and Westminster discussions rather than key policy areas.

The Covid Inquiry has defended its expenditure against criticism.

A spokesperson for the inquiry said: "This is flawed analysis. These are figures based on hypothetical future expenditure and an imaginary Inquiry end date, and the UK Covid-19 Inquiry does not recognise them."

The spokesperson emphasised the unprecedented scope of the investigation, which covers multiple aspects of the pandemic across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The inquiry's cost significantly exceeds previous statutory investigations, being 28 times more expensive than the Phone Hacking (Leveson) inquiry.