Inspectorates face merger into four key bodies

21 Oct 04
Ministers are close to a final decision on a major cull of public sector inspectorates, but plans to merge up to 13 bodies into four is causing concern.

22 October 2004

Ministers are close to a final decision on a major cull of public sector inspectorates, but plans to merge up to 13 bodies into four is causing concern.

The Cabinet Office this week told Public Finance that a decision on overhauling inspection regimes would be made 'within months'.

Under a plan floated by Number 10, four inspectorates covering key aspects of public life could emerge: criminal justice, health and social services, local government and a children's and education body.

The change would reflect Labour's commitment to slashing public sector costs. But it also follows criticism from public bodies, MPs and Commons committees that the inspection regime imposes unnecessary burdens on public bodies.

Inspection costs have soared by 130% since 1998 to more than £600m annually, and Prime Minister Tony Blair has said he wants to cut the burden of inspection by 50%.

The Office of Public Services Reform has investigated what form that could take.

The Cabinet Office told PF: 'The rationalisation of inspectorates and downward pressure on spend will help ensure that spending on frontline services is maximised.'

Merged local government functions could include the work of the Audit Commission, Benefit Fraud Inspectorate, and fire and housing bodies. An Audit Commission spokesman said its chair, James Strachan, has 'long said that a reduction in the number of public sector regulators is necessary'.

But other sectors are reticent. Two bodies, the Healthcare Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection, were only established in April.

Home Secretary David Blunkett is reportedly determined to keep the Inspectorate of Constabulary separate from courts, prisons and probation service watchdogs, because he has closely tied police reforms to its work.

PFoct2004

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