Probe Launched into Alleged Bid-Rigging in School Construction Contracts

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13 December 2024

Several companies are being investigated as part of an inquiry into illegal collusion to rig bids to secure contracts for construction projects in schools.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) suspects that building contractors and technical advisors providing roofing and construction services have broken competition law in bids for improvement works in schools.

The contracts in question were funded through the government’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), which allows schools and colleges to apply for capital funding to address significant condition needs in their buildings.

Unannounced inspections have been undertaken as business premises for evidence gathering.

Juliette Enser, Executive Director of Competition Enforcement, at the CMA said: ”This fund is incredibly important and ensures that essential building improvements can be made to schools throughout England, meaning students are learning in safe and suitable environments.

“While no assumptions should be made that competition law has been broken at this early stage, we will be investigating this issue thoroughly. We will now be making enquiries and assessing the evidence to see whether or not bid rigging has taken place – and what further action may be needed.”

In 2023, the CMA issued fines almost £60 million of fines to firms involved in rigging both public and private sector bids, and penalties are set to become more stringent. As part of the Procurement Act 2023, a new debarment regime could ban companies that break competition law from bidding on public contracts in the future.

Picture: a photograph of a set of tables and chairs in a classroom. Image Credit: Unsplash

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 13 December 2024

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