First Minister Rhodri Morgan today unveiled his plans for the future of the remaining quangos in Wales. His announcement follows an in-depth review of the role and function of quangos as part of his wider public service reforms..
In July 2004, the First Minister announced his intention to bring into government three of the largest quangos (Welsh Development Agency, Wales Tourist Board and ELWA) to enhance democratic accountability and improve the way that public services are delivered.
The announcements made that day covered 70% of the quango state. Today, the First Minister announced the reform programme for the remaining 30%.
In July, he outlined the criteria against which the remaining quangos would be reviewed.
Careful consideration has been given to the many and various structures and functions within these organisations. Consequently, the bodies are being dealt with in a number of ways:
* There are no plans to change the statutory functions or structure of the Countryside Council of Wales, but the implementation of the Tir Gofal scheme will transfer to the Welsh Assembly Government, providing farmers and landowners with access to agri-environment schemes through a single source
* No changes are being proposed to the structure of the Environment Agency Wales, but the statutory guidance in this area will be updated and reinforced.
* Six Agricultural Wages Committees and six Agricultural Dwelling House Committees, all classified as advisory ASPBs, will be scrapped and replaced by one unified body.
* The Welsh Language Board will cease to be a quango and its staff and functions will transfer to the Welsh Assembly Government. We will establish an office to undertake its regulatory function, initially in an advisory capacity.
* No significant changes are proposed to the structure of the National Library of Wales or the National Museum and Gallery of Wales. However, their relationship with the Welsh Assembly Government will be strengthened to ensure a more coherent approach in this area. The President and Director General of the NMGW and the President and Librarian of the NLW will be invited to become members of a new Culture Board, to be chaired by the Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport.
* The Chair and Chief Executive of the Arts Council for Wales will join the Culture Board. We will bring together the strategy, policy and planning capability of the Council with that of the Welsh Assembly Government. Furthermore, the Welsh Assembly Government will take responsibility for directly funding six major arts bodies with national remits. The Arts Council will continue to deliver grant aid and lottery funding to arts recipients.
* The Culture Board will also include a representative of the Welsh Books Council and local government.
* The Sports Council for Wales will continue to distribute grant aid and lottery funding, but as with the Arts Council, the strategy, policy and planning capability will be brought together with that of the Welsh Assembly Government. This will better integrate our physical activity policy with our wider health and education agendas.
* The Ancient Monuments Board for Wales and the Historic Buildings Council for Wales are currently advisory ASPBs and will become advisory panels within the Welsh Assembly Government. The Royal Commission on Ancient & Historical Monuments in Wales will remain an executive body. Pooling resources will take place in order to provide a more integrated brand.
* No changes are being proposed to the structure of the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.
* The functions of the Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales (ACCAC) will be merged with the Welsh Assembly Government. The transparency and integrity of professional judgement will be retained.
* We shall be consulting with a view to bringing in the functions of the Wales Youth Agency and use the funds released to deliver the spectrum of activities for which we currently fund the agency.
* Health Professions Wales will be wound up and its functions transferred to other bodies.
* The Wales Centre for Health will be established as an independent source of advice, and we will consult on the conferring on it the functions of some 9 health advisory ASPBs.
* We will invite proposals for integration between the NHS Trusts and Local Health Boards where there would be benefits to patients.
* No changes will be made to the structure of the Care Council for Wales.
It is anticipated that these changes will take place by 2007. Continuity of business will be maintained through the transfer period, and resources released following integration will be used for front-line services.
Care has been taken to ensure that the staff involved receive adequate information about forthcoming changes, and further consultation will continue. Important issues include ensuring there is adequate support and advice for staff, protection of employment rights and continued workplace flexibility.
The First Minister said: "In 1999 we achieved political devolution, but it would be true to say that administrative devolution did not follow. Most people would still be surprised by the number of bodies that administer government policy in Wales, and it really was about time we did something about that.
"You can justify the existence of arms-length bodies in government, but there is no such thing as arms-length public money. Ministers are always responsible for its allocation and the Assembly is always responsible for its scrutiny. There is no dodging that responsibility.
"Bringing in the ‘Big 3’ in July was a major step, and in this announcement we have gone a long way towards completing the job we started. This is a significant further shrinkage in the quango state.
"Again, I want staff to know that there is a real job to be done in terms of the delivery of public services, wherever they may sit. I have reiterated that any changes must be managed fairly and with openness.
"In fact, I want staff to know that they are part of an exciting radical shift in the way services are developed and implemented. My recent announcement regarding Making the Connections referred to the development of a vision for public services centred around the people of Wales, and I am looking forward to the skills and expertise of the staff concerned making a real contribution towards policy development and implementation.
"Again, I am determined to ensure that continuity of business is maintained. Grant recipients, public and private partners and members of the public should know that normal service will continue."
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