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A cross-party group of MPs has strongly criticized the UK Health Security Agency, an agency created during the Covid-19 pandemic to protect the UK from future viral threats, for its lack of governance and weak financial controls.
A report from the House of Commons public accounts committee highlighted that NHS Test and Trace inventory worth £3.3bn, which had been transferred to the UK Health Security Agency, could not be properly accounted for.
This criticism comes as the government faces scrutiny over its handling of the pandemic, with a public inquiry currently underway to assess the effectiveness of its preparedness and response strategy.
Dame Meg Hillier MP, committee chair, expressed disbelief at the agency’s poor governance and financial controls, stating that it was unacceptable for an organization meant to ensure collective security to have such shortcomings.
The report also noted the lack of adequate governance from the agency’s inception and highlighted concerns regarding the appointment of Dr. Jenny Harries as the agency’s chief executive, due to her limited technical experience in managing complex organizations.
The committee urged the UK Health Security Agency to implement robust financial controls, develop a plan to maintain complete accounts, and establish a stockpile of equipment and medicine for future health crises.
Hillier emphasized the need for the government to take pandemic preparedness seriously, stating that failure to make adequate preparations for future crises would be inexcusable.
The UK Health Security Agency was established in April 2021 to replace Public Health England, which had faced criticism for its response to the pandemic. The new organization’s focus is on health security and utilizing scientific and health evidence to combat future disease threats.
Earlier this year, the agency came under criticism from the National Audit Office for its lack of governance, oversight, and control, as well as its failure to conduct proper stock counts and manage stockpiles of personal protective equipment.
The report revealed that the agency had written off £14.9bn of spending in the past two years, including overpayments and over-orders of PPE and Covid-19 medicines.
Dr. Harries acknowledged the challenges faced by the agency and highlighted the steps taken to improve governance. The agency’s priority remains protecting lives, she added.
A government spokesperson acknowledged the global challenges in procuring necessary items during the pandemic and stated that the committee’s recommendations would be considered and responded to formally.
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