The TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA) revealed that over 300 quango bosses received higher salaries than the prime minister in the past year. Quangos, short for quasi autonomous non-governmental organisations, are taxpayer-funded entities that operate independently from the central government. These organizations encompass various bodies, including watchdogs and the prison service. Sir Keir Starmer recently abolished NHS England, the largest quango, and the government is in the process of reviewing numerous quangos to minimize bureaucratic inefficiencies and waste.
According to John O’Connell, chief executive of the TPA, there is a need for increased scrutiny over the substantial paychecks received by “quangocrats” who operate with limited democratic oversight. Despite the prime minister’s annual salary of £172,153, which surpasses the median UK salary, 315 quango chief executives received higher remuneration. The top three earners included Channel 4, HS2, and Network Rail chief executives, earning £619,000, £618,195, and £588,000, respectively.
The research by the TPA also disclosed that at least 1,472 quango staff members received over £100,000 in total compensation, which includes salary, expenses, and pension benefits. While the TPA’s definition of a quango extends to various bodies, such as non-ministerial departments, public corporations, and agencies listed by the government, Matthew Gill from the Institute for Government stressed the significance of attracting capable individuals to oversee public bodies with competitive pay. Under Sir Keir’s leadership, the Labour government established over 20 new quangos, like Great British Energy and Skills England, to support renewable energy investments and job seekers, respectively.
Previously, the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government executed a significant reform by eliminating one-third of quangos, including the Audit Commission and the UK Film Council. Despite calls for another “bonfire of the quangos,” Downing Street emphasized the government’s aim for a more assertive and responsive state rather than delegating decisions to external bodies. As part of its efficiency efforts, the government intends to merge the Valuation Office Agency with HM Revenue & Customs by April 2026, stating that this consolidation will enhance operational efficiency and reduce redundancies
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