Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what analysis his Department has undertaken of the financial viability of those construction companies that have won public procurement projects with a contract value of more than £5m in the last five years.

The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 require public procurers to award contracts through fair and open competition, in line with principles of equal treatment, transparency and non-discrimination.

Suppliers have to meet certain criteria to be able to bid for public contracts, including a minimum level of financial and economic standing as determined by the public body running the procurement. This may be proven through turnover, audited accounts or other financial measures.

These financial checks are carried out by the Contracting Authority who conduct their own risk assessments.