Taxpayers lost £10.9 billion to fraud and error as the UK government’s pandemic response left the front door open to fraud, according to an independent report.
The Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner, Tom Hayhoe’s, final report to Parliament finds many schemes – including Bounce Back Loans and Eat Out to Help Out – were rolled out with huge fraud risks and no early safeguards, costing the taxpayer millions.
Weak accountability, bad quality data and poor contracting were identified as the primary causes of the £10.9 billion losses.
The report highlights that counter fraud controls were ‘inadequate’ and only improved later in the pandemic.
It makes further recommendations to ensure the country is prepared for future crises that require an economic response from government – emphasising that preparation and robust controls will provide the best value for money for taxpayers.
Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said:
‘Leaving the front door wide open to fraud has cost the British taxpayer £10.9 billion — money that should have been funding our public services, supporting families, and strengthening our economy.
‘We have started returning this money to the British people and we will leave no stone unturned in rooting out the fraudsters who profited from pandemic negligence.’
Internet link: HM Treasury website
