Arm's-Length Bodies Review Bill

This bill creates a system to regularly review arm's-length bodies. Arm's-length bodies are organisations funded by government but run independently, like NHS trusts or university funding councils. The bill requires ministers to review these bodies every few years to check if they are still needed and working well. Reviews would look at what each body does, how much it costs, and whether its work could be done differently. Ministers would publish reports after each review. The government says this will make public spending more efficient and remove outdated organisations. Critics say frequent reviews could waste time and money, and might threaten the independence these bodies need to work properly. The bill affects hundreds of organisations across different government departments.

• 1Creates mandatory reviews of arm's-length bodies every few years
• 2Reviews examine if each body is still needed and effective
• 3Ministers must publish reports after completing reviews
• 4Applies to hundreds of organisations like NHS trusts and funding councils
• 5Government says this improves efficiency and removes outdated bodies