Almost £10 billion of public money was wasted by the UK government on personal protective equipment (PPE) during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the latest report from the official Covid Inquiry. The figure is roughly double the amount that was spent successfully on PPE.
Covid Inquiry report highlights massive waste
The fifth report from the long-running investigation, published at midday on July 14, 2026, focuses on procurement. It reveals the extraordinary scale of waste as the government scrambled to secure PPE during the health crisis. Baroness Hallett, the chair of the inquiry, stated in the report: 'Of the approximately £15 billion of PPE purchased, almost £10 billion was wasted.'
Issues with procurement and substandard equipment
The report identifies overbuying and the purchase of 'substandard equipment' that put health and social care workers at risk. The inquiry also criticises the so-called fast-track system for awarding contracts, describing it as a system that 'embedded unfairness in the UK government's emergency procurement system'. Baroness Hallett noted that it was 'a misguided attempt at prioritisation, caused by a fundamental lack of readiness rather than ill-intention'. She added: 'The High Priority Lane should not have been set up and should not be repeated.'
Ongoing investigation
Baroness Hallett's investigation into the UK's handling of the pandemic has been running for more than four years. It is due to publish five more reports before concluding. The next report, focusing on the care sector, is expected in autumn 2026.
