Cameron calls for Quango reform

He advocated restricting the roles of such bodies to rein in excessive pay and "unaccountable bureaucracy".

He said: "I'm convinced that the growth of the quango state is one of the main reasons so many people feel that nothing ever changes; nothing will ever get done and that government's automatic response to any problem is to pass the buck and send people from pillar to post until they just give up in exasperated fury."

During the event organised by think-tank Reform, Mr Cameron revealed that Quangos accounted for at least £34billion of public spending last year, and received a 12 per cent funding increase. He estimated that figure could rise to more than £64billion if unofficial organisations are included.

He also stated that 68 quango heads paid themselves more than the Prime Minister.

In the event of a Conservative win at the next election, Mr Cameron pledged to reduce the role of Quangos to "administrative" bodies working for a minister, with specific responsibilities and tightly-restricted financial resources.

He added that all public sector salaries over £150,000 would be published online, "so taxpayers can see whether they're getting value for their money".

Communications watchdog Ofcom was among the organisations which received specific criticism. Mr Cameron promised it would "cease to exist" in its current form, ending its influence in matters of "national debate such as the future of regional news or Channel 4 and transferring policy-making decisions back to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The shadow cabinet are reportedly now reviewing every independent public body to evaluate their importance.

Mr Cameron said: "I believe a fair-minded consideration of the evidence can only lead us to one conclusion: that we do need to reduce the number of Quangos in this country. But we've got to do it in a way that is responsible, and which recognises that there are circumstances where Quangos have a useful and important part to play.

"So it would be far too simplistic for me to stand here and announce some kind of 'Bonfire of the Quangos'. People have heard that kind of talk many times before, and seen little to show for it."