WordGarden.ioquango
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /kwˈɒnɡəʊ/
US
Meanings
Noun
a semi-independent organization funded or overseen by the government
Beyond the definition
Imagine a situation where the government wants to deal with a specific issue, like environmental protection or arts funding, but does not want to run it directly through a normal department. It might set up a "quango." This British term, short for "quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation," refers to a public body that is funded by the government and given some freedom to operate on its own. Think of it like a semi-detached house: not fully part of the main building, but still closely connected to it.
You'll often hear about quangos in British political discussions, sometimes with criticism regarding their accountability or efficiency. They handle everything from healthcare standards to historical preservation. For example, Historic England is a quango responsible for protecting England's historic environment.
"Quango" is a distinctly British term—an acronym standing for "quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation." It describes a body that is neither fully part of the government nor entirely independent. Essentially, it's an organisation created by the government to carry out specific tasks or provide services, but with a degree of operational independence.
The key characteristics of such bodies are: they are funded primarily (though not always exclusively) by public money; they operate at arm's length from ministers; and they have their own boards or governing bodies. This structure allows them to bring in expertise that might not exist within the civil service or to make decisions free from direct political interference.
However, quangos are often subject to scrutiny. Critics argue they can be opaque, unaccountable, and prone to bureaucratic inefficiencies. There is a constant debate about whether their benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks of having bodies operating outside of traditional government control.
You might read in a news article: "The government announced plans to review several quangos as part of its cost-cutting measures." Or, "Environmental groups have praised the work of the Environment Agency, a key quango responsible for protecting England's waterways." The term is rarely used outside of British and sometimes Australian political contexts.
Examples
- 1
Government oversight
The government set up a quango to oversee food safety after the scandal.
- 2
Political criticism
Critics said the new body was just another quango with a big budget and little accountability.
- Usage
another quango often sounds critical in political discussion
- 3
Public spending
Several quangos were merged as part of a plan to cut public spending.
See also
Similar
- arm's-length body
- non-departmental public body
- quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization
Shades of meaning
- public agency
- statutory body
- advisory board
Contrast
- government department
- private company
Used with (collocations)
- set up a quango
- abolish a quango
- quango appointments
Explore
- public administration
- delegated governance
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- quangonoun