The appointment of Tom Hayhoe as the new COVID corruption commissioner in London has raised concerns about the recovery of taxpayers’ funds. According to leading audit, tax, and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg, the chances of a significant recovery seem slim.
Fiona Fernie, a Partner at Blick Rothenberg, expressed doubt about the effectiveness of Tom Hayhoe’s appointment in recovering funds. She highlighted that the events being investigated took place several years ago, giving those involved more time to cover their tracks. Additionally, Hayhoe’s appointment is for only 12 months, which may not be sufficient for a thorough investigation into such a complex matter.
Fiona Fernie’s Critique
Fernie questioned the necessity of Hayhoe’s appointment, pointing out that previous investigations by the National Audit Office and the Boardman Review have already delved into government procurement issues. She emphasized that the official UK COVID inquiry and the National Crime Agency’s investigation into possible criminal offenses related to PPE procurement have extensively examined the matter.
Delay in Appointment
Furthermore, Fernie criticized the delay in appointing a COVID corruption commissioner, despite it being a pledge in the Labour Party’s manifesto. She noted that it took five months for the government to make the appointment, leading to skepticism about the commitment to addressing fraud and recovering taxpayer money.
Cost Concerns
While Fernie acknowledged the importance of investigating fraud, she warned that the appointment of Tom Hayhoe might end up costing more than it recovers. She questioned the potential value of Hayhoe’s report to Rachel Reeves and expressed doubts about whether it would uncover any new information.
In conclusion, the skepticism surrounding Tom Hayhoe’s appointment as the COVID corruption commissioner raises questions about the effectiveness of the investigation in recovering taxpayers’ money. Despite the government’s efforts to address fraudulent activities, concerns remain about the cost and potential outcomes of the appointment.
