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NEWS STORY : SFO Launches Investigation into Alleged Multi-Million-Pound Fraud Targeting Thurrock Council

STORY

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has today opened a formal investigation into an alleged multi-million-pound fraud against Thurrock Council, marking a significant escalation in probing the collapse of solar farm investments that nearly bankrupted the Essex authority in late 2022. Under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987, the SFO has issued notices compelling banks and other financial institutions to hand over documents and information related to the scheme, which was orchestrated by Rockfire Investment Finance Plc and associated companies within the Rockfire Group.

Between 2016 and 2020, Thurrock Council invested millions of pounds into bonds tied to solar farms, enticed by promised returns of between 3–6 per cent alongside the return of the initial investment. Rockfire marketed multiple tranches of these bonds to local authorities and other investors as a “green” way to secure modest yields. However, the group subsequently fell into administration, triggering alarm when Thurrock was effectively declared bankrupt in December 2022. The financial collapse forced a series of council tax hikes and cuts to essential local services, leaving residents to shoulder the fallout from what many now see as reckless decision-making.

Nick Ephgrave QPM, Director of the SFO, emphasised the gravity of the situation:

“Today’s action is a significant step in our investigation concerning this suspected criminality. We are grateful for the assistance of Essex Police, Thurrock Council and others in the early stages of this enquiry.”

Ephgrave’s remarks underline the collaborative approach between the SFO and local law-enforcement agencies. By compelling information from banks and other intermediaries, investigators hope to unearth the detailed paper trail that led to the council’s ill-fated foray into renewable-energy bonds.

Although details of the alleged fraud remain tightly under wraps, several troubling facts have already emerged. Rockfire’s administration was triggered in 2023 after a shortfall in bond returns left the company unable to meet its obligations. Several councils across England, including Thurrock, were reported among its major investors. Critics now question whether due diligence was properly carried out when the bonds were initially underwritten, especially given the overly optimistic yield forecasts and the complex financial structures underpinning the solar farm projects.

Thurrock Council’s financial predicament has been high-profile in local government circles since 2022, when auditors first flagged significant pension and debt liabilities. The losses incurred through the Rockfire bonds dealt a final blow, forcing the authority to appeal to central government for assistance and prompting urgent reviews of its investment policies. Council leaders concede that the rapid expansion into renewable-energy bonds was intended to secure steady revenue but instead backfired, plunging the borough into severe fiscal distress.

The SFO’s investigation remains at an early stage. No arrests have been made, and it is unclear whether charges will follow. By invoking Section 2 powers, the agency can demand any relevant documents, including confidential bank records, and require individuals to answer questions under oath. That legal leverage often proves pivotal in unravelling suspected frauds of this scale. Local residents and council staff have welcomed the probe, hoping it will shed light on how decision-makers sanctioned such large outlays with seemingly inadequate safeguards. One unnamed council officer commented: “There was a sense of optimism around renewable investments, but people didn’t expect it to end up like this. We need clarity on who was advising us and whether warnings were ignored.”

June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK and India hold high level dialogue in Delhi [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 June 2025.

Sir Oliver Robbins met India’s Foreign Secretary in New Delhi for the annual UK-India Foreign Office Consultations.

Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is in India to review progress across the UK and India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He met India’s Foreign Secretary, Shri Vikram Misri, in New Delhi today [3 June] for the annual UK-India Foreign Office Consultations.

They welcomed the significant breakthroughs achieved across the full breadth of the partnership since consultations in London last year, including the announcement of the historic trade deal. Economic growth is the number one mission of the UK Government. Both agreed to work towards implementing the shared vision of the two prime ministers for an ambitious partnership between the UK and India over the next decade.

This year’s consultations included the inaugural Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue, aimed at building mutual understanding of systems and agreeing areas for future cooperation on key sectors such as technology and defence.

Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO, said:

I’m delighted to be in India to help advance one of the UK’s most vital partnerships in the world. In a more complex world, there is strong ambition from both governments to take this partnership to even greater heights. I’m looking forward to working with Foreign Secretary Misri to make that a reality.

During the visit, Sir Oliver is also expected to meet a wide range of Indian government partners including on the G20 and home affairs.

Further information:
- Sir Oliver Robbins was appointed Permanent Under-Secretary (PUS) at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in January 2025. As PUS, he is Head of the UK’s Diplomatic Service and the most senior policy adviser to the Foreign Secretary. The PUS is responsible for the management of the FCDO in the UK and its embassies and high commissions around the world.
- The UK and India agreed a landmark trade deal on 6 May, which will redefine the partnership for the next generation, strengthening trade links, supporting jobs, and delivering shared prosperity. The deal is expected to increase bilateral trade already worth £43 billion by another £25.5 billion.
- The UK’s Plan for Change sets out milestones the UK Government aims to reach by the end of this Parliament.
June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Dame Vera Baird DBE KC appointed as Interim Chair of the CCRC [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 3 June 2025.

Dame Vera Baird DBE KC has been appointed as the Interim Chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).

His Majesty the King, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has approved the appointment of Dame Vera Baird DBE KC as the Interim Chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). The appointment will commence on 9 June 2025 and will end on 8 December 2026. The CCRC Chair role has been vacant since Helen Pitcher’s resignation on 14 January 2025.

The Lord Chancellor has requested that Dame Vera carry out a thorough review of the operation of the CCRC, to increase public confidence in the organisation and the important work it undertakes investigating potential miscarriages of justice.

In order to bring stability to the organisation at this crucial time it was important to ensure that the post holder was an exceptional individual with sound knowledge and experience of examining the criminal justice system and a strong track record of leadership.

The CCRC

The CCRC was established by the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 and commenced operation in 1997. The CCRC considers – on application – cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland where a miscarriage of justice is alleged or suspected. The CCRC decides if there is any new evidence or new argument which raises a real possibility that an appeal court would quash a conviction or reduce a sentence.

The appointment of the CCRC Chair is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and this appointment complies with the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Appointments of CCRC Commissioners are made by His Majesty the King on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, who receives advice from the Lord Chancellor.

Biography

Dame Vera Baird DBE KC’s biography is as follows:
- Member of the Women’s Justice Board
- Visiting Professor in Practice at the Mannheim Centre, London School of Economics
- Honorary Fellow of St Hilda’s College Oxford
- Hon Professor of Law at Exeter and Newcastle Universities
- Hon Doctorates at Northumbria and Loughborough Universities
- Former Victims Commissioner for England and Wales (2019-22)
- DBE for Services to Women and Equalities 2017
- Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria (2012-19)
- Chair of Association of Police and Crime Commissioners 2016
- Association of PCCs’ National lead for Supporting Victims (2012-19)
- Solicitor General for England and Wales (2007-2010)
- Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice (2006-7)
- Member of Parliament for Redcar 2001-2010
- Former Practising Criminal Barrister and QC
- Author of many articles, chapters & reports, most recently The Baird Review into Greater Manchester Police.
- Patron of Respect, Operation Encompass and Board Member of Revolving Doors
Dame Vera Baird DBE KC has declared the following political activity on behalf of the Labour Party: public speaking, Chair of the Women’s Branch Hornsey and Friern Barnet Constituency (HFBC), member of the HFBC Fabian Society, member of the Labour Women’s Network and campaigning in elections.
June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Major £5 billion technology investment accelerates UK defence innovation in a European first [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 June 2025.

More than £4 billion drive towards autonomous systems to shape UK military future and boost export potential, supporting the Plan for Change.

UK troops and warships will be protected by drone and laser weapon technology through a major £5 billion investment, as the UK seeks to become the leading edge of innovation in NATO under the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and driven by lessons from Ukraine.

The major funding package includes more than £4 billion for autonomous systems and a further investment of nearly £1 billion for Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) this Parliament – including the iconic DragonFire laser – boosting frontline capabilities while creating 300 skilled jobs across the country.

DragonFire is set to be the first high power laser capability entering service from a European nation, with the first Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer due to be fitted in 2027.

The SDR recommends that an immediate priority for force transformation should be a shift towards greater use of autonomy. To help achieve this, it says Defence must incorporate uncrewed and autonomous systems in high numbers over the next five years and make targeted investment in the development of novel directed energy weapons.

Today’s autonomous systems investment – of which more than £2 billion is new funding following the Government‘s historic uplift in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027– will see autonomous systems, including drones improve accuracy and lethality for our Armed Forces, and boost UK export potential.

It comes after major announcements ahead of the SDR publication, including: the building of up to a dozen new attack submarines for the Royal Navy; up to 7,000 new UK-built long-range weapons to procured; at least six new munitions and energetics factories in the UK; more than £1.5 billion to improve the state of military housing; and more than £1 billion for pioneering technology to spearhead battlefield engagements.

The new DEW capabilities will give the UK an edge, creating low cost and sustainable alternatives to missiles to shoot down targets, such as drones, at the speed of light, reduce collateral damage and have a low-cost per shot, reducing reliance on expensive ammunition.

The systems will be tailored to the conditions in which they will operate – whether at sea, on land, or in the air – and will work alongside crewed assets, such as current and future fighter jets.

Both investments reflect the SDR’s vision for UK innovation to be driven by the lessons from Ukraine – harnessing drones, data and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer.

The SDR sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform defence and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad. It ends the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and will also drive innovation, jobs and growth across the country, allowing the UK to lead in a stronger NATO as part of this Government’s Plan for Change.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

These investments will mean the most significant advance in UK defence technology in decades. We will ensure our Armed Forces have the cutting-edge capabilities they need to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

We are delivering the Strategic Defence Review’s vision to put the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, by backing British industry and fast-tracking the kit of the future into the hands of frontline troops.

This Government’s Plan for Change will harness the benefits of technology, create hundreds of new jobs and make defence a powerful engine for economic growth.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

A strong economy needs a strong national defence. That’s why we are delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War—putting innovation and industrial strength at the centre of our national security strategy.

Additional funding for autonomous systems maximises the defence industry’s potential to drive long term economic growth and productivity – helping us deliver our Plan for Change while keeping the UK safe.

A new DEW will be created for the British Army this decade, alongside DragonFire being integrated on four Royal Navy warships, with the first ship due to be fitted in 2027, forming part of a layered air defence system to better protect UK forces while reducing collateral damage and reducing reliance on expensive ammunition.

DEW technology already supports 200 high-skilled UK jobs, with a further 300 positions to be created across the Ministry of Defence and industry partners. It’s another example of defence as an engine for UK economic growth, delivering on the Plan for Change.

In addition, a new Drone Centre will be established to accelerate exploitation of small, uncrewed air systems across all three military services, helping to deliver them to the front line faster.

The Centre will provide a central knowledge base to tackle any emerging legislative changes, develop best practice and better manage the interaction with industry. Crucially, it will apply battlefield lessons from Ukraine where drones now kill more people than traditional artillery. Detailed organisational arrangements will be developed over the coming months.

During the SDR process, 1,700 individuals, political parties, and organisations submitted more than 8,000 responses. 200 companies provided written contributions, more than 120 senior experts took part in the review and challenge panels, and nearly 50 meetings took place between the Reviewers and our senior military figures.

June 3, 2025
Lindsay Hoyle – 2025 Statement on Late Government Announcements

The statement made by Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, in the House on 2 June 2025.

Before we come to the next piece of business, I will make a brief statement. This morning, the Government published the strategic defence review. The Prime Minister made a speech and held a press conference in Glasgow, in addition to other media appearances. That follows several days of media briefing. I am disappointed that, once again, the Government appear to have breached the principle set out in paragraph 9.1 of the “Ministerial Code” that

“When Parliament is in session, the most important announcements of government policy should be made in the first instance in Parliament.”

I recognise that the timing of policy announcements is not always wholly within the Government’s control. There may be a need to co-ordinate announcements on international trade with trading partners, for example, or announcements may be delayed by last-minute legal intervention. The announcement of the SDR, however, was wholly at the Government’s discretion, so it is highly regrettable that Ministers have chosen, once again, to hold a major media event before coming to the House. That shows complete disregard for the House and for hon. Members. I note that Ministers, when they were in opposition, were not slow to complain when previous Governments made major policy announcements outside Parliament. In fact, the SDR was due at Easter, so I am sure that a day would not have mattered.

I am not responsible for compliance with the ministerial code, which is a matter for the Prime Minister—it is the Government’s code, not the House’s code—but I regard this as a particularly blatant breach. I have invited the hon. Member for North Dorset (Simon Hoare) to consider whether the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee might usefully inquire into the matter.

Ministers are elected as Members of Parliament first, before they get their ministerial roles, so they should recognise the importance of the House. It is amazing that, in opposition, Members think that everything should be discussed on the Floor of the House, but when they are in government, their memories are short on that point.

I have been here through many SDRs. In fact, in one of the major SDRs with Lord Robertson, we did not even know the effect on everybody’s constituency until it was read out from that Dispatch Box. What has changed? I will tell you what has changed: the disregard for Members who sit on the Back Benches. I am here to defend those on the Back Benches, so please, I hope we have no more of this.

All I would say is that it is the Government’s ministerial code. They should be ashamed of not enforcing it.

June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister hails trade deal successes for Scotland [June 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 June 2025.

From the Highlands to the Borders, Scottish people are set to benefit from the UK’s landmark trade deals with India, US and EU announced in recent weeks.
- Prime Minister visits historic distillery in Glasgow to discuss trade deal benefits for the Scotch Whisky industry
- Follows UK hat trick of trade deals with India, US and EU – improving people’s lives across the country
- Deals will help drive growth in Scotland and put more money in the pockets of the hardworking Scottish people
From the Highlands to the Borders, Scottish people are set to benefit from the UK’s landmark trade deals with India, US and EU announced in recent weeks.

The Prime Minister discussed the huge growth opportunities and benefits for Scotland during a visit Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow today.

Visit comes after Prime Minister visited BAE Govan this morning to announce the Strategic Defence Review, which will see significant investment in Scotland . More than £2 billion a year is already spent by the Ministry of Defence with industry organisations of all sizes in Scotland, supporting over 25,000 skilled jobs in Scotland.

The world-renowned Scotch Whisky industry is set to boom globally – with the Scotch Whisky Association announcing they forecast £1 billion of extra exports in five years, plus 1,200 new jobs thanks to the tariff reductions as part of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.

India is an important market for Scotland, with 457 Scottish businesses exporting a total of £610 million in goods there last year.

Under the India trade deal, tariffs have been cut on a range of iconic Scottish goods, from whisky tariffs halved from 150% to 75% and dropping to 40% after 10 years to salmon reduced from 33% to 0%. Iconic Scottish brands like Irn Bru and Scottish shortbread will also see reduced tariffs.

Scotland’s thriving life sciences and health tech hubs will be strengthened by IP commitments on areas such as trade secrets and copyright, helping companies export to India with confidence.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Our trade deals with India, US and the EU will slash tariffs on key industries and open markets set to help drive growth in Scotland and put money in the pockets of the hardworking Scottish people, delivering on our Plan for Change.

Scotland is home to some of the most world-renowned products, which can now be enjoyed across the globe – all whilst saving Scottish businesses money.

That is why we have secured these deals, and why we will continue to go further and faster to improve the lives of everyone in the UK.

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:

Our trio of trade deals shows we are championing Scottish products and businesses on the global stage. From our world-renowned whisky distilleries to our cutting-edge green energy sector, Scotland has so much to offer international markets. But more importantly as part of our Plan for Change this means more money in people’s pockets.

By securing better access to the European Union, United States and India, we’re creating real opportunities for Scottish businesses to grow, supporting jobs in communities from the Highlands to the Borders.

Mark Kent, Chief Executive Officer of the Scotch Whisky Association, said:

As the UK’s largest food and drink export to 180 markets worldwide, Scotch Whisky producers welcome the work being done to reduce trade barriers around the world. The landmark UK-India free trade agreement will be transformational for the Scotch Whisky industry over the longer term and has the potential to increase exports to India by £1bn over the next 5 years and creating 1,200 jobs across the UK.

It’s also constructive to see a potential reduction in the burden on exporters through the UK agreement with the EU. We continue to support the UK government’s efforts to address the issue of tariffs with the US and establish a pathway to return to the zero-for-zero tariff arrangement we have had with the US on spirits for more than 30 years.

The new agreement with the European Union, the UK’s largest trading market, will directly address challenges faced by Scottish exporters since 2019. The Scottish salmon industry has estimated that between 2019 and 2023, Scottish Salmon export values experienced a net loss of around £75 million. The deal with the EU makes it significantly easier to sell Scottish goods to European markets.
June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK international risk status for BSE downgraded in huge boost to farm sector [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs on 2 June 2025.

World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) downgrades UK’s BSE risk rating to negligible.

The UK’s risk rating status for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been downgraded to negligible by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

In a major boost for the food and farm sector, more avenues will now be open for trade with other countries as our improved risk status for beef and bovine products is recognised.

The abattoir and meat processing industry will be able to take advantage of changes to control measures, which will reduce operational burden and release financial savings for the abattoir and meat processing industry.

The UK’s improved risk status is a reflection of the UK’s global reputation for having some of the highest standards in the world for biosecurity .

BSE, occasionally known as mad cow disease, was a considerable public health concern in the 1980s leading to long-standing bans on British beef exports. The downgrading risk status marks a major step forward, reflecting decades of rigorous controls and opening the door to expanded trade and renewed confidence in UK beef.

Farming Minister Zeichner said:

Today’s announcement is a major step forward and will deliver a real boost to our hard-working cattle farmers, who will now have more avenues open for trading our excellent beef products.

It is also a huge vote of confidence in this government’s commitment to rigorous animal health standards and biosecurity.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss said:

WOAH’s recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK’s strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.

This is the latest example of the UK’s global reputation as a world leader in biosecurity and our new status will improve UK trade for beef and bovine products and reduce the operational burden and create financial savings for the abattoir and meat processing industry.

Natasha Smith, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the Food Standards Agency said:

This good news reflects that our strict controls in place to protect consumers such as controls on animal feed, and removal of the parts of cattle most likely to carry BSE infectivity, have helped make sure there is no food safety risk.

Although the meat industry will be now able to use more of the carcass, consumers can be reassured that strict food safety controls remain in place. Food Standards Agency Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors working in all abattoirs in England and Wales will continue to ensure that the safety of consumers remains the top priority.

Nan Jones, British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) Technical Policy Manager said:

This milestone is of significant value to the industry. To illustrate, the ability to recover mesenteric fat alone could generate value of approximately £10 million per year. Given the substantial benefits this change brings to our members, we hope that the improving UK–EU relationship offers an opportunity to seek earlier EU recognition of our status.

Jonathan Eckley, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) International Trade Development Director, said:

This is welcome news for the UK beef sector. It highlights the strength of our animal health and food safety systems, reinforces the UK’s reputation for high-quality beef, and supports ongoing efforts to grow our export markets.

June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Fruit and veg import checks scrapped ahead of UK-EU deal [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 2 June 2025.

The government will scrap border checks on fruit and veg imported from the European Union in an early move to ease trade ahead of its new SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) deal with the EU.

The agreement will establish a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary zone, slashing costs, easing pressure on food prices and eliminating routine SPS border checks for food exports and imports.

This means that checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables (including tomatoes, grapes, plums, cherries, peaches, peppers, and more) imported from the EU will not be required – and will therefore not be brought into force this summer.

In the short term, businesses can continue importing medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU without the products being subject to import checks or being charged associated fees.

The SPS agreement will make food trade with the UK’s biggest market cheaper and easier. Cutting excessive red tape and fees for traders exporting to and importing from the EU will strengthen supply chains and reduce prices for businesses and consumers.

Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said:

This government’s EU deal will make food cheaper, slash bureaucracy and remove cumbersome border controls for businesses.

A strengthened, forward-looking partnership with the European Union will deliver for working people as part of our Plan for Change.

The easement of import checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU was introduced as a temporary measure to provide businesses time to prepare for their implementation, and ensure a smooth flow of essential goods across the UK border.

The easement of checks has now been extended from 1 July 2025 to 31 January 2027 as a contingency measure, following the government’s announcement that it will agree a new SPS deal with the EU.

The details of the SPS agreement are now to be negotiated; traders must continue to comply with the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

Protecting UK biosecurity remains a key government priority, and risk-based surveillance will continue to manage the biosecurity risks of these products.

Defra will continue to work with the Animal and Plant Health Agency and Border Control Post operators to maintain UK biosecurity while minimising disruption to the flow of goods.

June 3, 2025
NEWS STORY : Government Releases Cost of Failed Covid Contracts

STORY

A government-commissioned interim report has revealed that UK taxpayers lost £1.4 billion on defective or undelivered pandemic-era PPE contracts. Chancellor Rachel Reeves commissioned the Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner’s report, which highlights widespread procurement failures under the previous administration. According to the interim findings, £762 million of that total is unlikely to be recovered because substandard gowns, masks and visors were not inspected until two years after delivery—well beyond warranty periods. As a result, many suppliers cannot now be held contractually liable.

Reeves has pledged to pursue the remaining £468 million still recoverable. To date, £182 million has been returned to the public purse. Suspected fraudulent suppliers have been referred to the National Crime Agency. The Chancellor said Treasury officials are “determined to ensure that every penny spent during the pandemic is fully accounted for.”

“This Government will bring criminals to justice and put taxpayer money back where it belongs – in the NHS, police and armed forces” Reeves added.

The report identifies surgical gowns as the greatest source of loss as 52 per cent of gowns procured were non-compliant with safety standards. By the time quality tests were carried out, warranties had expired. Tom Hayhoe, Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner, concluded Phase One of his investigation, focusing solely on PPE contracts, and has now moved to Phase Two. The next phase will examine potential fraud and errors in other Covid support schemes, including furlough payments, bounce-back loans, business support grants and the Eat Out to Help Out programme. Final recommendations from Hayhoe are due in December 2025, when he will report back to the Chancellor with a comprehensive account of pandemic spending irregularities.

June 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Failed Covid contracts cost British taxpayer £1.4 billion [June 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 2 June 2025.
- New report commissioned by Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, reveals £multibillion price British taxpayers paid for reckless handling of Covid contracts
- Previous government failure to test defective PPE leaves millions of taxpayer pounds unrecoverable
- It comes as Reeves drives work to recover £468 million for communities and public services, underlining commitment to investigate and account for every penny spent during the pandemic under the Plan for Change
Failed pandemic-era PPE contracts cost the British taxpayer £1.4 billion, as an interim report commissioned by Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, lays bare the scale of the scandal.

The Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner’s report reveals the price the British public has paid for undelivered contracts which saw taxpayer cash squandered on unusable PPE.

The last government’s over-ordering of PPE, and delays in checking it, mean that £762 million is unlikely to ever be recovered. These failures saw substandard PPE – gowns, masks and visors – not inspected for two years, meaning public money could no longer be recouped.

Now Reeves is going further and faster to recover the £468 million that could still be recovered from suppliers – money which the government will put back into communities and public services including the NHS, police and armed forces.

Recovery action has so far resulted in £182 million being returned to the public purse, and PPE suppliers referred to the National Crime Agency for suspected fraud.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

The country is still paying the price for the reckless handling of Covid contracts which saw taxpayer pounds wasted and criminals profit from the pandemic.

This investigation and plan to recover public money underlines our commitment to ensure that every penny spent during the pandemic is fully accounted for.

We have always been clear that money poorly spent or fraudulently claimed belongs to the British people. This Government will bring criminals to justice and put taxpayer’s money back where it belongs – in the NHS, police and armed forces.

Most of the wasted money went on surgical gowns. Over half (52%) were non-compliant, but because much of the defective PPE was not quality tested until after warranties had expired, there is little chance of recovering the money.

This interim report marks the end of Phase one of Commissioner Tom Hayhoe’s investigation– scrutinising PPE contracts. The Commissioner has now begun work on Phase two, which will see it investigating fraud and error in other pandemic spending programmes such as furlough, bounce-back loans, Business Support Grants and Eat Out to Help Out.

The Commissioner will provide a full update in a final report to the Chancellor at the conclusion of his term in December 2025.
June 3, 2025