Criticism of quango pay 'misguided'

University of Sheffield Professor Matthew Flinders told MPs the focus on pay packets was "often just ridiculous" and "misguided" as he gave evidence to a select committee on the Government's plan to slash the number of quangos.

"The thing about pay is often just ridiculous," he said.

"You demonise some people for a salary which is equivalent or much lower than they would get in the private sector or other full time posts.

"The language is a barrier to a sensible mature debate."

The Government plans to axe dozens of quangos -– bodies which operate at arms-length from Ministers –that including regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, but Prof Flinders said the organisations were part of any western democracy.

He said attention should focus on how quangos are governed.