Vetting delays hindering national security work

“Unacceptable” delays in carrying out security checks on government officials is hampering vital national security work, watchdogs have warned.

The National Audit Office said UK Security Vetting (UKSV) has seen its performance fall to its worst level since it was created in 2017.

UKSV blamed the problem on an inability to recruit and retain the staff it needs and an “old and unstable” IT system. In September 2022, only 15 per cent of routine counter-terrorist and security checks were completed within 25 days, set against a target of 85 per cent.

The Cabinet Office has been told to set out a plan for “meaningful reform”.