Post-Brexit border checks forecast to cost UK £4.7bn, says NAO

Plans to bring in border checks on goods coming from the EU faced ‘significant issues, the NAO said. Photograph: PA Images/Alamy

The government expects to have spent at least £4.7bn on introducing post-Brexit border controls, which have been repeatedly hit by delays, the public spending watchdog has warned.

Plans to bring in border checks on goods coming from the EU faced “significant issues” including critical shortages of inspectors before their introduction last month, the National Audit Office said in a report.