CMA Investigates Bid-Rigging for School Funding

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated an investigation into suspected bid-rigging by several companies involved in roofing and construction services related to the government's Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). This fund is crucial for improving the condition of school buildings, particularly for those deemed to be in poor repair. Recent reports indicated that the Department for Education (DfE) withdrew funding from several projects due to serious irregularities in their applications. The CMA has conducted unannounced inspections at various business premises to gather evidence. Juliette Enser, CMA's Executive Director for competition enforcement, emphasized the importance of this investigation, although no assumptions of wrongdoing have been made yet. If the CMA finds sufficient evidence, it will issue a statement of objections, allowing companies to respond to the allegations.