The official Covid inquiry released findings examining the government’s handling of personal protective equipment acquisition during the pandemic. The investigation concluded that approximately two-thirds of the £14.9 billion spent on PPE by UK and devolved governments represented waste, with tens of millions of pounds additionally spent on unusable equipment. Baroness Heather Hallett, the inquiry chair, identified substantial deficiencies in pre-pandemic planning and stockpiling. England’s mask reserves contained only one-third usable inventory, while Scotland held no FFP3 masks required by healthcare professionals. Many items had expired and were past their useful life. The inadequate supplies forced some workers to resort to improvised protective measures, including bin bags, or to repeatedly use and wash single-use equipment. The inquiry determined that stronger advance planning, better information systems, and more appropriate resource allocation would have enabled faster, fairer, and more cost-effective procurement. While acknowledging the challenges of competing in a global supply crisis, Hallett stated that better preparation would have protected key workers more effectively and reduced unnecessary expenditure.A controversial “VIP lane” system implemented in April 2020 drew sharp criticism. The system expedited PPE offers accompanied by recommendations from ministers, MPs, peers, and senior officials. Although Hallett found no evidence of corruption or cronyism in contract awards, she characterized the approach as inherently biased toward those with government connections and recommended it never be repeated. The inquiry’s investigation into PPE Medpro, a company recommended by Conservative peer Baroness Michelle Mone, remains incomplete. The firm was ordered to repay £148 million following a High Court finding of contract breach. An ongoing National Crime Agency investigation has resulted in no charges to date, with reporting restrictions preventing publication of findings until proceedings conclude.
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