Government placed insiders in Carillion four months before collapse, report reveals

Carillion
Eight government officials were given ‘insider’ status in the company in September last year Credit: DANIEL SORABJI

Top government officials had access to crucial information about Carillion’s financial health four months before the company collapsed, a new report has revealed, as it emerged that its liquidation will cost the taxpayer at least £148m.

An investigation into the Government’s handling of Carillion’s troubles in the months leading up to its insolvency by the National Audit Office (NAO) found that eight officials were given "insider" status in the company in September last year. This meant that they had access to sensitive financial information only given to Carillion’s lenders.

Responding to the report, MPs from the joint business and pensions committee which had been investigating Carillion's...

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