THE government unlawfully witheld details of billions of pounds’ worth of coronavirus-related contracts during the pandemic, the High Court ruled today.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) was taken to court for its “wholesale failure” to disclose details of contracts agreed with companies for services such as the provision and delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The government is legally required to publish a notice within 30 days of the awarded contract for public goods or services worth more than £120,000.