Public Inquiries Under Scrutiny for Cost and Length
Critics argue that the proliferation of public inquiries is a costly and time-consuming drain on taxpayer funds, with little discernible benefit.
Public inquiries, once rare and businesslike, have become a frequent feature of the political landscape, drawing criticism for their escalating costs, protracted timelines, and perceived lack of accountability.
In the last two decades, 63 public inquiries have been launched, a significant increase compared to the previous 20-year period. These investigations, often convened following major scandals or tragedies, have become lucrative for legal professionals and associated service providers, funded by the taxpayer.
The independent inquiry into alleged war crimes by the SAS in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013 serves as an example of the current model. Proceedings have been characterized by a large presence of lawyers, extensive use of technology, and a slow pace. The inquiry has already incurred £58 million in costs and has been ongoing for three and a half years, with no clear end date in sight.
Critics point to the substantial financial burden these inquiries place on public funds. The Covid inquiry, for instance, has already consumed over £200 million. Barristers on the inquiries circuit can command rates up to £250 per hour, and other beneficiaries include document management companies, specialist assessors, and administrative staff.
Beyond the financial expenditure, concerns are raised about the effectiveness and purpose of these lengthy investigations. The inquiry into the death of Robert Hamill, which concluded in 2024 and cost £33 million, reported on an event that occurred in 1997. The extended timelines mean that by the time reports are published, the officials and politicians involved may have moved on, diminishing the likelihood that lessons will be learned or accountability assigned.
Ministers are noted to find inquiries appealing, possibly as a means to defer public and media scrutiny. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood recently announced a new inquiry into the Manchester synagogue attack. However, the prolonged nature of these investigations can lead to frustration and heartache for the families affected.
Issues such as loose terms of reference, the right of 'core participants' to submit extensive material, and delays caused by civil servants submitting vast amounts of documentation further contribute to the extended duration and cost of these inquiries. The perceived lack of urgency and the extensive legalistic procedures observed during hearings have led some to question whether the current model serves the public interest effectively.