quango

Also QUANGO

[kwang-goh]

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

/ ˈkwæŋɡəʊ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quango¹

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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of quango¹

C20: qu ( asi- ) a ( utonomous ) n ( on ) g ( overnmental ) o ( rganization )

Example Sentences

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

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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.

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Some of these organisations, known as quangos, could be closed, merged, or have their responsibilities handed over to departments.

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The government has already announced big cuts to the welfare bill as well as plans to cut the civil service and abolish several quangos including NHS England.

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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.

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Related Words

• panel