Public Bodies

Nineteen Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) help Communities and Local Government plan and carry out its policies. NDPBs are public organisations that assist Government Departments in making decisions on policy and practice, especially in areas where specialist knowledge might be needed.

As NDPBs are not part of the Government, the day-to-day decisions they make are independent. But Ministers are ultimately responsible to Parliament for the effectiveness of decisions made by NDPBs.

We work with four types of NDPBs. Use the links below to find out more.

Advisory

Advisory Panel on Beacon Councils
Advises Ministers on the operation of the Beacon Council scheme

Advisory Panel on Standards for the Planning Inspectorate
Advises on the professional standards within the Planning Inspectorate

Building Regulations Advisory Committee
Advises on building regulations for England and Wales

Community Forum
Gives a 'grass-roots' perspective on the impact of neighbourhood renewal and other polices on local communities

National Housing and Planning Advice
Provides independent advice on affordability matters to the Government, Regional Assemblies and other stakeholders with an interest in the housing market

Executive

Community Development Foundation
Supports community work and carries out research, evaluation and policy analysis

English Partnerships/Commission for the New Towns
A national body for regeneration and development

Firebuy
Responsible for procurement for the fire and rescue service

Housing Action Trust Stonebridge
Responsible for regenerating a single estate in the London Borough of Brent

Housing Corporation
National Government agency that funds new affordable housing and regulates housing associations in England

Independent Housing Ombudsman
Considers complaints against member organisations, and other housing disputes

LEASE (The Lease Advisory Service)
Provides free legal advice and information on all aspects of residential leasehold and common hold law in England and Wales

Standards Board for England
Promotes high standards of conduct by members of relevant authorities

Urban Development Corporations (Thurrock, London Thames Gateway and West Northamptonshire)
Regenerate designated areas by bringing land and buildings into effective use, and creating an attractive environment, to encourage people to live and work in the area

Public Corporations

Audit Commission
Ensures public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively to achieve high quality local services for the public

Architects' Registration Board
Independent regulator of all UK-registered architects

Tribunals

The Residential Property Tribunal Service
This is an umbrella organisation for five regional offices called Rent Assessment Panels (Northern, Midland, Eastern, Southern and London). It provides an independent tribunal service in England for settling disputes involving private rented and leasehold property.

Want to learn more?

Public appointments - Learn more about the public bodies that help us plan and carry out our policies, and how to apply for current vacancies

Related publications

The Department for Communities and Local Government’s Public Bodies 2007
- Published: 14 December 2007
- Site: Corporate

Archived content

Our organisational structure was put in place following a restructuring exercise during summer 2006. This archive contains two documents whichset the rationale for the structures and ways of working the Board believe will drive and support our work.