The UK鈥檚 competition watchdog has extended its investigation into construction companies suspected to have 鈥渋llegally colluded to rig bids鈥� on contracts for school repairs. In an update, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it was now gathering further evidence as it continues the probe into construction companies, which is focused particularly on roofing contractors. Last year the watchdog opened an initial investigation into suspected bid-rigging in the government鈥檚 condition improvement fund (CIF), which provides cash for building maintenance to around 4,500 academies in small trusts, sixth-form colleges and voluntary-aided schools. At the time the CMA said it had 鈥渞eason to suspect that several companies providing roofing and construction services 鈥� including building contractors and technical advisors 鈥� illegally colluded to rig bids to secure contracts鈥�. It comes after the government withdrew funding for 鈥渁 number of projects鈥� granted school maintenance cash through the condition fund, after identifying 鈥渟erious irregularities鈥� in their applications. Working closely with the Department for Education (DfE), the CMA started its investigation by carrying out surprise inspections at 鈥渟everal business premises鈥� to gather evidence, both physical and digital. Its original timetable scheduled its initial investigation to last from last December until May. that until December 2025 the investigation will be “continuing…including further evidence gathering, analysis and review of information gathered”. A CMA spokesperson said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e seeking to progress this case at pace, while ensuring we conduct a robust review. There is no legal deadline for competition cases, meaning timeframes can shift as is needed to gather and review evidence.鈥� Watchdog has not ‘reached a view’ The CMA鈥檚 website said it had 鈥渘ot reached a view鈥� as to whether there is sufficient evidence of an infringement of competition law for it to issue a statement of objections to any of the parties under investigation. Not all cases result in the CMA taking this step, it added. CIF money is awarded to schools in urgent need of repair every year by the DfE, and can lead to lucrative contracts. The most recent round for 2025-26 saw 拢470 million awarded to 789 projects at 656 educational establishments. The, published by last month, shows funds were allocated for a range of project types from boiler upgrades to new heating systems, roofs and urgent fire safety works. The DfE鈥檚 priority for the fund is to award money to schools with significant 鈥渃ondition needs鈥�, meaning buildings in poor condition, as well as addressing health and safety issues as well as building compliance.