Covid-19 Fraud 2024-11-14

2024-11-14

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Jack Abbott Lab Co-op
Ipswich
Context
The question arises from discussions about the effective prosecution of covid-19 related fraud, an issue that has been ongoing since the start of the pandemic.
What discussions she has had with the Crown Prosecution Service on ensuring the effective prosecution of covid-19 related fraud?
The Government are doing everything possible to recover millions in public funds lost to covid-19-related fraud. The Crown Prosecution Service is working closely with investigators to pursue all those who dishonestly lined their pockets with Government money.
Assessment & feedback
No specific discussions or mechanisms were detailed
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Jack Abbott Lab Co-op
Ipswich
Context
The question is prompted by the previous Health Secretary's statement about not paying taxpayers' money for undelivered contracts, contrasted with current figures showing significant fraud. It highlights a delay in addressing this issue seriously.
In 2021, the previous Health Secretary said regarding covid-19 contracts that 'where a contract is not delivered against, we do not intend to pay taxpayers' money'. Judging from the figures that highlight the enormous scale of covid-19-related fraud, that was little more than a promise made and a promise broken by the previous Government. I am pleased that our Government have made it a priority to recoup as much of that money as possible from scammers who profited at taxpayers' expense. However, four and a half years on from the first lockdown, my constituents in Ipswich, many of whom sacrificed so much during the pandemic, will be wondering why it has taken this long, and a change of Government, to take the issue as seriously as it deserves. Can the Solicitor General tell the House whether that is down to the previous Government's incompetence or lack of effort, or whether it is symptomatic of their more general recklessness?
My hon. Friend raises an important point. In contrast to the previous Government, this Government are taking action on covid-related fraud. We have heard from the Chancellor that she will be appointing a covid corruption commissioner, who will review and assess all the PPE contracts that were entered into before any are written off.
Assessment & feedback
No specific timeframe or details about previous government's actions or incompetence
Response accuracy