The Reform of Public Bodies
The intention of Ministers is to simplify all of Defra’s arm’s-length bodies (ALBs), both for the department and its customers. According to the minister, this will include restructuring the provision of scientific advice and the replacing a number of existing advisory bodies.
After these reforms, the number of remaining public bodies under Defra will be reduced to 32.
Some of the changes to be made include:
- The abolishment of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy England Implementation Group
- The substantial reform of the Environment Agency, including structural and cultural changes.
- The reconstitution of the Farm Animal Welfare Council, the Veterinary Residues Committee and the Zoos Forum as a ‘committee of experts’.
“But the changes announced today also reflect the government’s view that it should only carry out those functions which only government can do, while harnessing the power of civil society and the private sector to help deliver Defra’s objectives.”
For more information and to see all the changes that will be made please click here.
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
