MACMILLAN Parliamentary Accountability - Study of Parliament

Explore the complex relationship between Parliament and executive agencies in this academic study by MACMILLAN. Written by members of the Study of Parliament Group, this book examines how the reorganization of the civil service into executive agencies has changed the landscape of government responsibility. As chief executives gain more freedom to make operational decisions, a significant constitutional question arises: how do Ministers maintain responsibility for agency work? This text provides a detailed assessment of Parliament's response to these structural shifts. By reviewing existing parliamentary mechanisms and analyzing specific case studies, the authors provide a clear look at the current state of oversight. This book is an essential resource for those studying government and politics, particularly regarding the evolution of the civil service and the challenges of maintaining accountability in a modern administrative state. It identifies how Parliament can better use new arrangements to improve oversight and strengthen democratic control.