No evidence £22bn test-and-trace scheme cut Covid rates in England, say MPs

Spending watchdog challenges ministers to justify the staggering investment of taxpayers' money'

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There is no evidence to show that the government's 22bn test-and-trace programme to combat Covid-19 in England contributed to a reduction in coronavirus infection levels, parliament's spending watchdog has concluded.

In a report which examined the rush to invest in the scheme, the cross-party public accounts committee has challenged ministers to justify the staggering investment of taxpayers' money" and criticised the use of private consultants who are paid up to 6,624 a day.