Bonfire of the quangos

A committee of MPs has attacked the government's much-heralded 'bonfire of the quangos', saying it failed to save money or improve accountability.

The public administration committee found the programme, which threatens thousands of jobs, would neither save money nor improve accountability.

The inquiry found there was no meaningful consultation, the tests the review used were not clearly defined and the Cabinet Office failed to establish a proper procedure for departments to follow.

MPs also raised concerns that the move did not allow for sufficient safeguards to prevent the misuse of new powers by ministers.