The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into several companies suspected of colluding to rig bids for contracts funded through the government's Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). This fund is crucial for maintaining safe and compliant educational buildings across England, particularly for schools in poor condition.

Unannounced inspections have been conducted at various business premises to collect evidence, including physical and digital documents. The CMA is working closely with the Department for Education (DfE) to assess whether competition law has been violated, particularly concerning roofing contracts.

Juliette Enser, Executive Director of Competition Enforcement at the CMA, emphasized the importance of the CIF in ensuring that students learn in safe environments. While the investigation is ongoing, no conclusions have been drawn regarding potential law violations.

If the CMA finds sufficient evidence of wrongdoing, it may issue a statement of objections, allowing the companies involved to respond. The CMA has previously imposed significant fines for similar anti-competitive behavior in both public and private sectors.

This investigation precedes the introduction of a new debarment regime set to take effect in February 2025, which could ban companies found guilty of competition law violations from bidding on public contracts in the future.