The appointment of Tom Hayhoe as the UK’s COVID corruption commissioner has been criticised as unlikely to recover significant taxpayer funds, according to leading audit and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg.
Fiona Fernie, a partner at the firm, questioned the value of the role, particularly given the time elapsed since the alleged corruption took place during the pandemic.
“Four years after the events occurred, it’s unclear why Rachel Reeves believes this appointment will achieve more than previous investigations, including the National Audit Office’s 2020 review or the Boardman Review in 2021,” Fernie said.
Hayhoe’s 12-month tenure has also been criticised as insufficient for such a complex inquiry. Fernie warned that those involved in questionable activities during the pandemic have had years to obscure evidence, making recovery efforts even more challenging.
Although Hayhoe is expected to provide recommendations on future government procurement processes during crises, Fernie questioned what additional insights this could offer beyond existing reviews, including the COVID inquiry led by Baroness Heather Hallett and the National Crime Agency’s ongoing investigations into potential PPE-related criminal offences.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
