PPE Report on Covid-19 – see the key findings

Efforts to buy PPNs during the pandemic cost the UK almost £10bn of taxpayers’ money, the inquiry said, while tens of millions of pounds were spent on other equipment that could simply not be used.

Its chair, Baroness Heather Hallett, criticized the “massive” waste in PPE procurement, which accounts for two-thirds of the UK’s £14.9bn total.

Although there has been very little buying of PPE during the pandemic, “it would be good if supply were more closely aligned with demand,” the report concluded.

“Better planning would have resulted in fairer, faster and less costly purchasing decisions.”

Hallett added: “If ministers and authorities were better equipped with the right plans, information and systems, procurement decisions would be easier, fairer and less costly – and equipment would get to those who need it faster.”