Quango cuts hit garden bodies

The government’s decision to scrap almost 200 quangos across its various departments will see a number of garden and greenhouse bodies affected.

According to Horticultural Week, the most notable include the Environment Agency and Natural England, which are set to be made "leaner, more efficient front-line delivery bodies".

The Forestry Commission has been retained for the time being, but will be subject to a strategic review of forestry in England later this year.

Popular garden and greenhouse site Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is to remain "on the grounds of performing a technical function that should remain independent of government", explained cabinet officer minister Francis Maude.

The politician explained: "As part of the government’s commitment to radically increase the transparency and accountability of all public services, we are reforming a large number of public bodies."

Among the surviving non-governmental organisations are the Covent Garden Market Authority, National Forest Company and National Parks Authorities.

However, the Plant Varieties and Seeds Tribunal is under consideration, while the Olympic Park Legacy Company has been devolved.

In other news, the Royal Horticultural Society recently revealed that its Chelsea Flower Show is set to feature a number of new exhibitors in 2011.