In today’s budget, UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £100 million Taskforce to scrutinise claims made under business support schemes designed to help companies and workers navigate their way through the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Taxpayer Protection Taskforce will be examining claims made honestly but in error as well as those made fraudulently.

The UK Government’s package of COVID-19 support schemes are credited with saving millions of jobs and keeping many businesses viable. However, auditors and Members of Parliament have been quick to point out that weak safeguards left the schemes vulnerable to exploitation.