Tom Hayhoe’s appointment as Britain’s corruption commissioner has been criticized as it is unlikely to recover significant taxpayer money, according to leading audit and consultancy firm Blick Rothenberg.
Fiona Fernie, a partner at the firm, questioned the value of the role, especially given the time that has passed since the alleged corruption took place during the pandemic.
“Four years after the events occurred, it is unclear why Rachel Reeves believes this appointment will achieve more than previous investigations, including the National Audit Office review in 2020 or the Boardman Review in 2021,” Fernie said.
Hayhoe’s twelve-month term in office has also been criticized as insufficient for such a complex investigation. Fernie warned that those involved in questionable activities during the pandemic have had years to cover up evidence, making recovery efforts even more challenging.
While Hayhoe is expected to make recommendations on future government procurement processes during crises, Fernie wondered what additional insights this could provide beyond existing reviews, including the COVID inquiry led by Baroness Heather Hallett and the National’s ongoing inquiry Crime Agency into possible PPE-related offences. .
The delay in Hayhoe’s appointment has also come under scrutiny. Despite being a Labor manifesto promise, it took five months into their government for the appointment to be finalized, with frequent public promises of an imminent announcement.
Fernie expressed support for efforts to investigate fraud and recover public funds, but warned that the costs of Hayhoe’s role could outweigh the financial recoveries it achieves. “This appointment could easily cost the Treasury more than it will save and it is unlikely that any new information will come to light,” she said.
The criticism raises broader questions about the effectiveness of retrospective investigations and the balance between responsibility and the costs of prosecuting historical cases.