The housing sector could be in for a shake-up as part of a review of government efficiency.
A leaked draft copy of the government review by Sir Peter Gershon said £10bn-15bn could be saved each year if public services became more efficient.

The report suggested that local authorities join forces to buy services, such as housing maintenance and nursing care, from a smaller pool of suppliers.

In addition, up to 80,000 civil service jobs would be cut and public service posts would be relocated outside London.

Mark Lupton, policy analyst at the Chartered Institute of Housing, said procurement changes could help housing but warned "bigger doesn't always mean better" and the market for local contractors could be damaged.