Arm’s-length Bodies (Accountability to Parliament) Bill

A Bill to make provision for Arm’s-Length Bodies to be directly accountable to Parliament.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Sir Christopher ChopeConservative

Parliament last updated

12 February 2025

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Bill would require Arm’s-Length Bodies—public bodies that operate independently but are funded by government—to be directly accountable to Parliament. It is aimed at strengthening parliamentary oversight by ensuring these bodies report to Parliament rather than only to government ministers. The exact mechanisms for direct accountability would be set out in the legislation.

Key Points

Establishes direct parliamentary accountability for Arm’s-Length Bodies.
Potentially changes reporting and oversight arrangements, shifting from ministerial to parliamentary accountability.
Introduced in the Commons and currently at the 2nd Reading, sponsored by Sir Christopher Chope.

Who is affected?

Arm’s-Length Bodies (independent public bodies)Parliament and its committees (e.g., Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee)Government departments and ministers that currently sponsor or oversee Arm’s-Length BodiesMembers of the public/taxpayers who rely on parliamentary oversight of public bodies

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

11 Dec 2023

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Arm’s-length Bodies (Accountability to Parliament) Bill

13 Dec 2023

The dissolution of Parliament took place on Thursday 30 May 2024. All business in the House of Commons and House of Lords has come to an end and this bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Arm’s-length Bodies (Accountability to Parliament) Bill | TrackPolitics