Tender and tender again

Most of us will have spent frustrating times crawling along the A21 at Castle Hill, as the two lanes merge into one.

So it was welcome news when the Government advertised for a firm to 'dual' this stretch of road in August 2006. At around £145,000,000, it attracted interest from several big contractors - McAlpines, Laing O'Rourke, Skanska, Nuttalls and May Gurney all sent in their bids.

But now it has emerged that because of a "funding crisis" the Government hasn't yet chosen a preferred bidder. In fact, word is that if they don't choose someone by the end of this month, the whole process may have to start again.

And if the contractors incur costs in re-tendering, who do you think they'll pass that on to?

That's right. You and me - the taxpayers. Why can't Government just get its act together?