Does government exercise any formal powers of direction it might have?
The answers demonstrate a spectrum of autonomy. The CPA and C&AG both state their independence. In the case of the C&AG, the National Audit Act 1983 provides a statutory base for the C&AG’s value for money work and gives him complete discretion in his work it also made the C&AG an Officer of the House of Commons, signalling his independence from the Executive. The government has ‘no formal or indeed informal powers of direction’ over HoLAC or the PCA. For the IC, the Secretary of State has statutory controls over his budget and staffing, as well as an “exceptional override”. The government is similarly responsible for the AC’s overall size and shape of regulatory activity. For ACoBA, the question is ‘not applicable’ as the PM is responsible for the remit of the body. The CSC, PCS and CSPL also responded with ‘n/a’. 3.2 Does government seek to influence the body’s priorities or programmes? None of the bodies feel unduly influenced by government. The DCA is entitled to see and comment on
