Job offer made, all checks completed and then offer withdrawn

[dottypencilcase]

Wondering what everyone's thoughts on this situation are:

Applied for a job, was told the role had been filled but they liked my CV so were going to create a new opening for me. I went through all the checks, paid for a new DBS (despite already having a current and valid certificate but new employer wanted a brand new one for their company), was waiting on my references to come through (which took time). Was informed the manager no longer had a role available for me.

I'm gutted. It was my ideal job and I'd got myself all excited for it. It was so convenient re: location, flexibility around childcare, etc.

Should I contact the manager to ask what's happened or leave it?

Manager sounded so lovely and told me he couldn't wait to have me on board. Can anyone tell me how I should word an email to see what went wrong?

Maybe they couldn't get the budget approved. Maybe they were using you as a reserve in case their first choice went elsewhere.

I'd go back and ask them to cover the cost of the DBS check, since they specifically asked for it and you are now out of pocket.

Otherwise, it's a shame but I'd forget it and move on.

I'd also presume that this was a "manager had been told there may be money for staffing then asked and found there wasn't". So long as you haven't handed your notice in at a current role, I'd just move on.