VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Arms Length Bodies: Expenditure

Asked by James McMurdockIndependentTreasuryTabled Answered 7 February 2025UIN 27318

The question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the transparency of public spending on Arm’s Length Bodies.

Answered by Darren Jones

The government recognises the importance of transparency across public spending, including Arm’s-length bodies (ALBs). Information on ALB expenditure is published within each body’s annual report.

The process for budget setting and for preparing and approving annual reports for ALBs are dependent on their classification status and their source of income.

Further information on the reporting requirements for ALBs can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6763fa1f3229e84d9bbde88d/MASTER_FINAL_DRAFT_2025-26_FReM_DECEMBER_2024_RELEASE.pdf

Further information on how each type of ALB should produce accounts can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a74d700e5274a59fa715592/Classification-of-Public_Bodies-Guidance-for-Departments.pdf

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim