The analysis, billed as the most indepth look yet at public procurement during the crisis, warns that systemic bias, opaque accounting and uncontrolled pricing resulted in vast waste of public funds on testing and personal protective equipment (PPE).
The review of more than 5,000 contracts across 400 public bodies identifies 135 high-risk contracts with a value of £15.3bn where investigation is merited due to the identification of three or more "red flags" for corruption, including a lack of competition, delays or failure to release information on procurement and conflicts of interest in the award of contracts.
The findings, from Transparency International UK, will pile pressure on the Labour government to fulfil a pledge to appoint a Covid corruption commissioner and recoup lost billions. The report finds: ● At least 28 contracts worth £4.1bn went to those with known political connections to the Tory party. This amounts to almost one in 10 pounds spent on the pandemic response.
● A total of 51 contracts worth £4bn went via the "VIP lane", a vehicle through which some suppliers got priority, of which 24 worth £1.7bn were referred by politicians from the Conservative party or their offices.
A total of £1bn was spent on PPE from 25 VIP lane suppliers that was later deemed unfit for use. The VIP lane was found to be unlawful by a high court judge in a 2022 ruling.
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Denne historien er fra September 09, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Parry: Premier League would be 'sterile' without EFL
Rick Parry has accused the Premier League of undervaluing the football pyramid, arguing that without the \"variety and competition\" that come from relegation and promotion the game would become \"sterile\".
Official review: Coote faces FA investigation as Webb breaks silence on video
The Football Association has launched its own investigation into the behaviour of the referee David Coote after remarks he made about Jürgen Klopp in a video that surfaced online this week.
Match-by-match: Coote's Liverpool games as an official
Referee who has been caught on video in a foul-mouthed tirade against Jürgen Klopp officiated 21 Liverpool games. Andy Hunter takes a look at the decisions in each one
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Is it really a surprise that an official or someone similar should end up glassy-eyed and spitting toxins on a sofa?
Hall's audition adds intrigue to England's Nations League finale
In-form Newcastle defender can show Thomas Tuchel he can be the solution to perennial problem on the left
'It's about robust planning, proper financial control'
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'People are going to see women's boxing at its very best'
The super-lightweight world champion Katie Taylor says her rematch against Amanda Serrano in Texas, as the main support act to Tyson v Paul, will be something special
Blindkilde Brown and Fujino help City avoid slip up
Manchester City maintained their 100% start in the Women's Champions League group stage as second-half goals from youngsters Laura Blindkilde Brown and Aoba Fujino were enough to beat a determined Hammarby side.
Players must cope with extra scrutiny, says Lewis
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No input from Jones in England's plan to upset Springboks
England will not be benefiting from the insider knowledge of their former Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones this weekend after it emerged that neither their players nor key staff members have been in contact with the Irishman, still supposedly employed remotely by the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
