FOI2024/00182: Cost of Independent Investigation
Case reference FOI2024/00182
Published 7 May 2024
Request
Request Received: 5 March 2024
How much did the independent investigation in response to an open letter from the Secretary of State cost.
I am referring to the investigation mentioned here: https://x.com/UKRI_News/status/1765016484462379456?s=20
Please provide a total cost and, if you wish, you may provide a breakdown of costs.
Response
Response Sent: 26 March 2024
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) holds some information relevant to your request. Please see the information below.
For clarity, UKRI conducted an investigation into the full set out issues raised by the Secretary of State in her letter. We do not hold a breakdown of costs associated with the different aspects of the concerns that were expressed.
The total cost to UKRI of conducting this independent investigation was £23,280, inclusive of VAT. This consists of the following:
• £12,500 + VAT for the investigation
• £6,900 + VAT for external legal counsel
Additional work on the investigation was conducted by UKRI staff, in addition to, or as part of their existing roles. Staff time relating to this activity was not tracked, therefore UKRI do not hold information on other costs associated with the investigation.
Documents
This is UK Research and Innovation's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.
You can browse our other responses or make a new FOI request.