Covid inquiry has cost taxpayer more than £161m, suggest Government figures

Inquiry

The inquiry into the UK government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic has cost the taxpayer more than £161m, according to government figures.

The inquiry was set up in 2021 to examine the government's response to the pandemic and make recommendations for the future.

It is due to report its findings in the spring of 2023.

Cost

The government has so far spent £161.4m on the inquiry, which is being led by retired judge Sir John Chilcot.

This includes the cost of legal fees, staff salaries, and other expenses.

The inquiry has been criticized for its high cost, with some MPs calling for it to be scrapped.

Criticism

Some MPs have accused the government of wasting money on the inquiry.

They argue that the money could be better spent on other things, such as the NHS or social care.

The government has defended the cost of the inquiry, saying that it is necessary to learn lessons from the pandemic.

Conclusion

The Covid inquiry is a major investigation into the UK government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It has cost the taxpayer more than £161m so far, and is due to report its findings in the spring of 2023.

The inquiry has been criticized for its high cost, but the government has defended it, saying that it is necessary to learn lessons from the pandemic.