Keir Starmer's Bold Move: A Plan to Revolutionize Regulation and Rein in Quangos

In a recent speech, Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, made a powerful pledge aimed at reducing regulation costs and diminishing the influence of quangos—Quasi-Autonomous Non-Governmental Organizations—over government processes. Starmer criticized politicians for hiding behind these bodies, which he claims contribute to inefficiencies and delays in public service delivery due to their nature as detached regulatory or advisory entities funded by taxpayers. Among his key proposals was the controversial decision to abolish NHS England, described as the world’s largest quango, moving its responsibilities back under the management of the Department of Health to streamline operations and enhance accountability.

Quangos serve various functions, including regulation and cultural promotion, yet their numbers have decreased significantly—by over half since 2010—with more than 300 still operational across the UK. Past governments have periodically attempted “bonfires of the quangos” to enhance accountability and cut costs, with mixed results. Starmer acknowledged this trend while noting that the current Labour administration has established more than 20 new quangos since taking power, focusing on initiatives like renewable energy and job support.

Economic estimates indicate that quangos represent nearly 60% of government spending, with 90% directed to the top ten largest organizations. Critics from organizations like the TaxPayers’ Alliance argue that quangos shield ministers from accountability and lead to significant inefficiencies. The Institute for Government has highlighted both the potential savings from merging these bodies into government departments and the challenges such consolidation brings, including disruptions to services and the loss of specialized expertise. Starmer’s proposal reflects an ambition for a more “active and agile state” that seeks to reclaim control over these vital regulatory functions.