Starmer Unveils Sweeping Governance Overhaul with New Public Bodies, Green Energy Focus, and Ethics Reforms

August 5, 2024
Starmer Unveils Sweeping Governance Overhaul with New Public Bodies, Green Energy Focus, and Ethics Reforms
  • Keir Starmer is set to implement a significant shift in governance by establishing over a dozen new public bodies, contrasting sharply with David Cameron's previous approach.

  • Cameron's tenure saw a drastic reduction in government agencies, famously dubbed the 'bonfire of the quangos', which aimed to abolish more than 100 entities.

  • Since 2010, the number of non-departmental public bodies has dropped from around 700 to approximately 300, a significant decline from a peak of 2,000 in the 1970s.

  • Among the new agencies, GB Energy will take center stage, focusing on green energy investments with a pledged government funding of £8.3 billion.

  • To restore accountability in government, an Ethics and Integrity Commission will be established in response to recent scandals.

  • Labour also aims to introduce a football governance bill to create an Independent Football Regulator, ensuring financial oversight of top football clubs.

  • Skills England will be created to tackle skills shortages, led by Richard Pennycook and collaborating with employers and trade unions.

  • Labour plans to establish a Passenger Standards Authority to enhance the performance of the UK's train network.

  • A Fair Work Agency will be formed to enforce workers' rights, including sick pay and holiday pay, with the power to impose fines for violations.

  • An Industrial Strategy Council will be created to promote long-term economic growth, featuring representation from various regions and sectors.

  • The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority will merge existing bodies to better support major infrastructure projects across the UK.

  • To improve career services, the National Jobs and Careers Service will merge Jobcentre Plus with the National Careers Service.

  • Additionally, a Border Security Command will be established to enhance immigration enforcement by uniting various law enforcement agencies against smuggling.

  • The House of Commons Modernisation Committee will focus on reforming outdated parliamentary procedures to enhance the effectiveness of MPs.

  • Lastly, the Regulatory Innovation Office will coordinate regulatory processes to foster innovation across sectors, streamlining approvals.

Summary based on 1 source


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