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Public inquiry gravy train
63 public inquiries launched in two decades as lawyers profit from taxpayer money.
In brief
63 public inquiries launched in two decades as lawyers profit from taxpayer money. Public inquiries now cost £200m+ annually as lawyers and firms profit from taxpayer money. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Public inquiry gravy train
Public inquiries once rare and businesslike now number 63 launched in two decades.
Lawyers profit from inquiries
Lawyers earn up to £250 an hour on public inquiries with some senior silks pocketing over £1 million.
Document management platforms profit
Document-management platforms make a 'bandit’s packet' from public inquiries.
Inquiries cost public money
The Afghanistan inquiry has cost £58 million so far with the Covid inquiry gobbled £200 million.
Inquiries take time
The Afghanistan inquiry has been running for three and a half years with no end in sight.
Inquiries delay lessons
Lessons from inquiries are rarely learned as officials move on to other roles.
Inquiries cost £33m for one case
The Robert Hamill inquiry cost £33 million to investigate a 1997 death.
Inquiries take longer
The 1983 Franks inquiry into the Falklands War took six months with negligible cost.
Inquiries are more common
Since 2005, 63 public inquiries have been launched, a third more than in the previous 20 years.
Inquiries have loose terms
Inquiries often have loose terms of reference with judges stretching them to their limit.
Inquiries clog the system
Core participants can submit written material clogging the inquiry system.
Inquiries delay justice
Alleged SAS war criminals face years of delay while inquiries run.
Inquiries are a disgrace
One former Lord Chancellor has called public inquiries a total disgrace.
Inquiries are politically motivated
Ministers use inquiries to avoid media scrutiny and delay accountability.
Inquiries cost public money
Public inquiries cost £200m+ annually as lawyers and firms profit from taxpayer money.
Inquiries have no end
The Afghanistan inquiry has been running for three and a half years with no end in sight.
What to remember
Public inquiries now cost £200m+ annually as lawyers and firms profit from taxpayer money.
