The watchdog suspects several firms providing roofing and construction services illegally colluded to rig bids funded through the government’s Condition Improvement Fund.

The CMA said it had “particular concerns in relation to roofing contracts.

Juliette Enser, executive director of competition enforcement at the CMA promised the matter would be “investigated thoroughly.”

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The government is considering taking away planning permission powers from local councillors in a bid to accelerate house building.

The idea was outlined in a government consultation paper released last week by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The paper also suggested introducing training for councillors on planning committees.

Secretary of state for Housing, Angela Rayner said: “I will not hesitate to do what it takes to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.

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Volunteer It Yourself, alongside Toolstation, and Northampton Saints have collaborated to restore a local sports clubhouse.

The project carried out last month refurbished the changing rooms and carried out ground maintenance for Northampton Old Scouts rugby club. 

VIY introduces young people to the trades, while they work with tradespeople to restore local community facilities.

Ed Sellwood COO and co-founder at VIY said the project was a brilliant way to improve the local club and “young people’s lives”.

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