UK government plans to introduce legislation to abolish a large number of public bodies, known as quangos, as part of a broader initiative to restructure the state and reduce civil service jobs. This proposed bill aims to expedite the reorganization of over 300 arm’s-length organizations, which collectively manage approximately £353 billion of public funds.

According to government sources, the Cabinet Office is reviewing the necessity of each quango, with the presumption that these entities will be affected unless there is a compelling justification for their continued existence. This could lead to quangos being closed, merged, or having their powers reassigned back to their respective departments.

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has previously urged his cabinet to assume more responsibility and move away from delegating decisions to regulators and quangos. The government has already begun integrating the National Health Service (NHS) in England back under the control of ministers, citing the potential for cost savings and increased accountability.

Under the current plan, quangos with significant influence over national policies will be reintegrated into government departments, with an emphasis on retaining expert staff. Conversely, quangos that require independence, particularly those with regulatory functions or those responsible for scrutinizing the government or safeguarding legal principles, will remain unaffected.

The Prime Minister is also promoting the use of technology, such as AI tools, within government operations to reduce expenditure and improve decision-making processes. Additionally, the government is cracking down on what it deems to be excessive spending in the civil service, including the provision of branded merchandise and staff retreats.

Mentioning the potential for the restructuring to adversely affect the vital work performed by specialist civil servants, Mike Clancy, the general secretary of the Prospect union, emphasizes the need for clear objectives and safeguarding the independence and expertise of these professionals. He stresses the importance of maintaining the current functions of quangos, especially their advisory and safety roles, and ensuring that any reorganization prioritizes the retention and recruitment of experts within the civil service.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/apr/06/ministers-consider-abolishing-hundreds-of-quangos-sources-say