Extract from their 'corporate' page:
In addition, the CAA advises the Government on aviation issues, represents consumer interests, conducts economic and scientific research, produces statistical data and provides specialist services. The UK Government requires that the CAA’s costs are met entirely from its charges on those whom it regulates. Unlike many countries, including the other JAA member states, there is no direct Government funding of the CAA’s work.
I suppose when it suits them they are government linked, and at other times.............
I suspect they are in an invidious position overall. Trying to appease the government as the ONLY safety regulatory group in the country, whilst still trying to make a profit out of the people they serve.
Their legal strategy, however, does leave a lot to be desired. There seems to be a common thread with all their prosecutions and that is to prove a point, rather than support and protect aviation.
Perhaps now with EASA in the driving seat, things might change for the better
In theory atleast, one would assume that modernisation should be a good thing - a breath of fresh air; a dose of salts to a constipated bureaucracy
Sorry...was I hallucinating then?