Can I get information about how a government contract was awarded?

You can make a request under the Official Information Act 1982 for information held by government agencies, or under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for councils. Agencies must respond as soon as reasonably practicable and within 20 working days, and they must release the information unless there is a good reason to withhold it under the Act, such as commercial sensitivity, protection of confidentiality or the maintenance of the effective conduct of public affairs. Contract value and the identity of the successful supplier are often released, but details of competitors' pricing or intellectual property might be withheld. If your request is refused, you can complain to the Ombudsman, who can review the decision. A debrief is also available as of right to unsuccessful tenderers.