Here are the correct forms of the verbs for each blank:

1. The problem already **discussed** by the board of directors when it was proposed again.
2. The building **was built** on waste land near the town since 2017 by contractors.
3. Billions of dollars **were spent** on cancer research by the government last year.
4. References (not use) **were not used** in the exam rooms.
5. Ted (bite) **was bitten** by a bee while he was sitting in the garden.
6. The meeting (hold) **is being held** in this hall tomorrow.
7. This house and these cars (paint) **were painted** for Christmas tonight by the Greens.
8. I suggested the room (decorate) **to be decorated** before your mother’s birthday.
9. There (say) **are said to be** a number of reasons for the falloff of the Roman Empire.
10. When the old school friends met, a lot of happy memories (bring) **were brought** back.
11. The bank is reported in the local newspaper (rob) **to have been robbed** in broad daylight yesterday.
12. The company’s travel budget (reduce) **has been reduced** substantially for the last two years.
13. Understandably, her friends (surprise) **were surprised** when Julia married someone else after being engaged to John for two years.
14. He currently (consider) **is considered** to be the best British athlete.
15. The facsimile (send) **will be sent** when the secretary returns from lunch.