When the UK entered lockdown in March, the implications for the vast majority were clear. Stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19. But, for local authorities, the message from central government was more nuanced. Vital infrastructure improvements, remediation work and the maintenance of schools, hospitals and other public buildings should continue. 

This directive turned up the heat on local government procurement teams tasked with running fair, competitive tenders. Following procurement rules to the letter has become more challenging. Normal processes have been completely upended by a period of unprecedented disruption. But, in this climate, councils must keep in mind that cutting corners could make them more susceptible to practices banned by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).