US consulting giant McKinsey was paid more than half a million pounds for 40 days advising the Government on the “vision” for a new coronavirus test and trace programme.
The company won a contract in May to write a document delineating the long-term “mission and vision” for the proposed new test and trace body.
McKinsey received £563,400 in the deal, according to a recently published contract with the Department of Health and Social Care.
The consultancy form was committed to producing a document with “design principles for the organisation design exercise” and “high-level KPIs” (key performance indicators). The document would also contain potential options for how the organisation should be structured, with a list of the positive and negative aspects of each option.
“In keeping with its approach to ensure value for money for its clients”, McKinsey will charge for delivering the project by a date, instead of per hour of its time, the contract said.
“This fee includes all time, expenses, overtime, weekend work and use of dedicated resources and consultation with other (McKinsey) experts who are not part of the full-time team.”
The NHS’s test and trace system was set up in order track outbreaks of the virus. It could help normal life return somewhat in the UK, while keeping Covid-19 infection rates low.
“While this service is being rapidly stood up to meet near term objectives, work is required to develop options for the longer term future of the organisation responsible for this and associated services,” the contract says.
Questions have been raised over a clause which allows McKinsey to hold on to the birth certificates, driving licence details, utility bills and health details of customers, public officers and users of websites for seven years after the contract ends.
On Twitter, Labour MP Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: “What a total waste of money. But what’s really concerning is this re McKinsey holding onto personal health data for seven years. Why have ministers agreed to this? We’ll be raising in Parliament when we return.”
McKinsey has been contacted for comment.