Public sector organisations are leaving themselves open to losing tens of thousands of pounds in fines and legal fees because they are routinely making mistakes in the way they procure goods and services, research shows.

Contracting authorities like councils, health bodies and education providers are required to publish details of contracts valued at over £172,514 on the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). This involves public sector buying organisations giving details of contracts and opportunities in an online form to ensure the procurement process is fair and transparent.