Nigel Slams Rising Costs of Quangos
February 5, 2010
Nigel Evans, Member of Parliament for the Ribble Valley, today criticised the rising cost of quangos. Since Gordon Brown became Prime Minister the annual figure has increased by more than 25 per cent from £37bn to £46.5bn. Figures announced yesterday show that while the number of quangos fell from 827 to 766 between 2007 and 2009, the number of employees has risen from 95,000 to 110,000.
Mr Evans said,
“These figures are astonishing. I simply do not understand how this Government works. To cut the number of quangos and yet still see the cost soar is ridiculous. No wonder the Prime Minister made a mess of the economy.
“There is no justification for such a rise. We must cut the number and the cost of quangos. £46.5bn is outrageous and does not represent value for money. The Government should start the process of cutting the cost before the general election otherwise we will continue to fritter away money which should be spent on care for the elderly, improving the health service, invigorating law and order and other front line services.”