Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
43rd Report - MoD’s oversight of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations
Public Accounts Committee
HC 893
Published 5 September 2025
Government response
Treasury minutes: Government response to the Committee of Public Accounts on the Forty-third report from Session 2024-26 · published 19 Jan 2026
Recommendations & Conclusions
15
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Primary legislation for new RFCA NDPB thwarted by lack of parliamentary time.
Conclusion
One of the two headline recommendations in the Department’s 2019 review of the RFCAs was to regularise and streamline the Council and 13 RFCAs into a single NDPB. This would provide a clear governance structure that aligned with government policy …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The item notes that the Department's plan to create the necessary legislation for an NDPB was thwarted by a lack of Parliamentary time. The government response is about establishing an NDPB, which is related but doesn't directly address the points raised.
HM Treasury
View Details →
16
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Establishing new RFCA NDPB remains preferred route, legislation anticipated in 2026 Armed Forces Bill.
Conclusion
The Department confirmed that establishing an NDPB remained its preferred route forward. This would facilitate a streamlined organisation, simplify back-office functions and clarify accountabilities. The Department said that the next opportunity for the necessary legislation would be in the Armed …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The item confirms that establishing an NDPB remained the Department's preferred route forward. The government response is about establishing an NDPB, which is related but doesn't directly address the points raised.
HM Treasury
View Details →
17
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Balancing national oversight with local volunteer spirit is key challenge for RFCA reform.
Conclusion
The Department said that the challenge is to balance the need for a professional and effective national organisation that can be held to account, with the ability to leverage the membership’s volunteer spirit. It said that there was an ongoing …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The item discusses the challenge of balancing a professional national organisation with leveraging volunteer spirit, and the Council's belief that an NDPB would bring benefits of central direction while maintaining local knowledge. The government response is about establishing an NDPB, which is related but doesn't directly address the points raised.
HM Treasury
View Details →