The government says it’s determined to stamp out bid-rigging in tendering processes – and is issuing guidance to civil servants.

Concerns grew after a number of companies put in bids to refurbish old people’s homes which were all suspiciously close to each other and far too high.

A report by the Office of Fair Trading said civil servants simply didn’t know enough about how private companies could collude with each other to rip off the taxpayer.

But the OFT’s Research Officer David Oldfield says training will now be given to spot foul play.