As of March 2019, 295 public bodies were in operation across the UK government. Most public bodies within the United Kingdom are established and operated by the government, with varying levels of autonomy and ministerial responsibility according to their classification. Brexit means that many functions previously carried out by EU agencies will become the responsibility of existing UK bodies. A number of new public bodies are also being created to manage additional responsibilities after EU exit.
Documents to download
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Special Advisers (835 KB, PDF)
What are special advisers?
Special advisers are temporary civil servants, employed to help Ministers on political matters where it would be inappropriate for permanent civil servants to become involved. They can provide political assistance in a way that the permanent civil service cannot. The role of special advisers is subject to regular scrutiny, with an ongoing debate around their work, numbers and cost.
How many special advisers are there and what do they cost?
As of December 2017, there were 88 special advisers working across the whole of Government. The pay bill for special advisers for 1 April 2016-31 March 2017 was £7.3 million. In addition, £1.5 million was spent on severance pay.
The numbers of special advisers fluctuate; annual lists of special advisers are published by the Cabinet Office. The number of special advisers was higher during the Coalition Government between 2010-2015. In November 2014, there were 103 special advisers in post – the highest there have been since the Government began releasing annual figures.
Rules of conduct for special advisers
Special advisers most comply with the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers. This sets out the guidance and rules for the work of special advisers. The most recent version of the Code was published on 21 December 2016.
Documents to download
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Special Advisers (835 KB, PDF)
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