The finance committee launched the inquiry earlier this year

In a report, the finance committee said more work must be done to remove duplication among existing bodies.

It also called for increased financial accountability for existing ombudsmen and commissioners.

But the findings were criticised by one committee member, who said commissioners were paying the price for "upsetting the powers that be".

The five proposed new bodies are the Scottish Commissioner for Human Rights, Legal Complaints Commissioner, Police Complaints Commissioner, Roadworks Commissioner and Scottish Civil Enforcement Commission.

To have robust and effective scrutiny by watchdogs, we must ensure they operate at arm's length from politicians Mark Ballard MSP

Des McNulty, the committee convener, said the report's conclusions responded to "widespread concerns" over the rising number and cost of commissioners.

"We believe that, according to the criteria laid out in the report, no more bodies representing a specific interest group should be created as parliamentary commissioners," he said.

"The committee also recommends no new bodies should be established if that role can be carried out by an existing body.

"In that context, the proposed Scottish Commissioner for Human Rights should be integrated with the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman's office."

The report recommends changing legislation to give the Scottish Parliament's corporate body power over the bodies' budgets and office location.

Financial monitoring

However, Green MSP Mark Ballard said: "I am concerned that these proposals are part of a backlash from those unhappy with commissioners who have done their job and spoken out on issues and, in the process, made life a little uncomfortable for the powers that be.

"To have robust and effective scrutiny by watchdogs, we must ensure they operate at arm's length from politicians - any moves to direct spending will undermine their ability to act in the public interest."

The report also called for a strong financial monitoring framework for the ombudsmen and commissioners.

It comes after former Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman Linda Costelloe Baker criticised the Scottish Executive during the inquiry over a lack of monitoring.