quango

American  

[kwang-goh] / ˈkwæŋ goʊ /

Also QUANGO

noun

plural

quangos

1. (especially in the United Kingdom) a semipublic advisory and administrative body supported by the government and having most of its members appointed by the government.

---

quango British  

/ ˈkwæŋɡəʊ /

noun

1. a semipublic government-financed administrative body whose members are appointed by the government

---

Etymology

Origin of quango

First recorded in 1975–80; qu(asi)-a(utonomous) n(on-)g(overnmental) o(rganization) or qu(asi)-a(utonomous) n(ational) g(overnmental) o(rganization)

Example Sentences

It heard that the quango was "too bureaucratic" and had a narrow interpretation of the opportunities in its remit.

From BBC

Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden said: "This overhaul will mean there are stronger rules, fewer quangos and clearer lines of accountability."

From BBC

The research also found that at least 1,472 quango staff received over £100,000 in total remuneration, which included salary, expenses and pension benefits.

From BBC

The BBC has been told ministers are considering passing a new law that would make it easier to scrap multiple quangos at once.

From BBC

He said for too long politicians had "chosen to hide behind vast arrays of quangos" - organisations funded by taxpayers but not directly controlled by the government.

From BBC

Related Words

• panel