Public Bodies

Public bodies carry out a wide range of functions on behalf of central government, but operate at arm's length from government departments and the devolved administrations. Departments are responsible for funding and ensuring good governance. Public bodies include nationalised industries, public corporations such as the BBC, NHS trusts and health authorities, and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). This annual publication reports on the remit, expenditure, appointments and membership of public bodies operating across the UK. This year's edition includes indepth information on bodies sponsored by UK government departments only (including the Northern Ireland Office, Scotland Office and Welsh Office), as well listing government task forces, ad hoc advisory groups and reviews. Summary information is given for bodies sponsored by the Scottish Executive, and information on bodies sponsored by the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly is also included. Each body is listed under the heading of the government department that is its sponsor. As of 31 March 2002, there were 834 public bodies across the UK.