Government departments
The Cabinet Office includes ministers for: government policy; civil society (Third Sector); political and constitutional reform as well as a Minister without Portfolio.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) was created from the merger of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills. BIS aims to support the economy by promoting business, enterprise and science. The website includes policies, publications and consultations as well as biographies and speeches from Ministers.
The DCLG is responsible for creating sustainable communities, local and regional government, fire prevention and the fire service, housing, planning and regeneration.
The DCMS is responsible for museums, galleries, libraries, built heritage, arts, sport, education, broadcasting and the media, tourism, creative industries, and the National Lottery.
The Department for Education is responsible for education and children's services. There are ministers for schools, children and families and further education, skills and life long learning.
DEFRA is responsible for regulating the food industries, animal welfare, safety standards, and environmental issues including sustainable development and wildlife and countryside management.
The Department brings together much of the Climate Change Group previously based in separate departments
DfID promotes global sustainable development and the elimination of world poverty.
The DfT is responsible for overseeing the implementation of an integrated transport system that meets the needs of individuals and business.
The DWP is responsible for welfare reform, equal opportunities in the work place, and pensions.
The DoH is responsible for the improvement of the health and well-being of people in England.
The FCO is responsible for promoting UK interests overseas, including through a network of over 200 embassies and other diplomatic offices.
The Government Equalities Office puts equality at the heart of government. It leads on equality, human rights and women’s issues.
The Treasury is responsible for formulating and putting into effect financial and economic policy.
The Home Office is the government department responsible for leading the national effort to protect the public from terrorism, crime and anti-social behaviour.
The MOD is responsible for organising the defence of the UK and helping maintain peace and stability throughout the world.
The MoJ (incorporating the Department for Constitutional Affairs) is responsible for criminal law and sentencing, the police, prison and probation services plus the promotion of justice, rights and democracy in England and Wales.
The OLHC, supported by the Privy Council Office, is responsible for the programme of business in Parliament, and reform of the House of Commons and electoral policy.
The NIO is responsible for security, policing and criminal justice, and political and constitutional matters. At present the NIO has assumed responsibility from the suspended Northern Ireland Assembly for economic and social matters.
The Lord President of the Council is Leader of the House of the Lords and represents the Government in that House on a number of issues, and supports the Office of the Leader of the House of Commons. The PCO is responsible for the 400 companies, charities and institutions incorporated by Royal Charter, and is the court of final appeal for a number of independent Commonwealth countries and UK overseas territories.
The Scotland Office is responsible for promoting both Scottish devolution and partnerships between the UK Government and Scottish Executive and the two parliaments. The Secretary of State represents Scottish interests within the UK Government regarding reserved matters, including foreign affairs, taxation, immigration, social security, defence and the constitution.
The Wales Office is responsible for promoting Welsh devolution. The Secretary of State represents both Welsh interests within the UK Government and the UK Government in Wales.
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