Background to the report

The government purchases a wide variety of goods and services through competitive procurement processes. It is a broadly agreed principle that competition can help support efficiency, innovation and quality in public services. When competition is lacking or ineffective, other safeguards are required, or value for money can be reduced through higher prices, inefficiencies and poorer outcomes.

Jump to downloads

Scope of report

This report examines whether government has mechanisms in place to understand and encourage competition in public procurement, and how government departments can make their use of competition more effective. The report draws on our insights from examining procurement processes of differing values and types, from the Superfast Broadband Programme to asylum accommodation and support services. It covers the large proportion of government procurement where there is an expectation that there should be a competitive market. There are a set of key findings and recommendations.

Downloads

Publication details

Latest insights