UK Report Reveals £11bn Lost to Covid Scheme Fraud, Recovery Efforts Limited
A report has revealed that nearly £11 billion was lost to fraud and error in the UK's Covid support schemes, with much of it deemed 'beyond recovery'. The Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner, Tom Hayhoe, highlighted that the rapid response to the pandemic led to significant public spending, exposing vulnerabilities to fraud. Employment support schemes, including furlough and self-employment assistance, accounted for £5 billion of the losses. Despite efforts to recover funds, only £1.8 billion has been reclaimed. The report underscores the challenges faced by public bodies in managing large-scale financial aid during crises, emphasizing the need for improved accountability and data management.