Public corporations

The state rather than shareholders own public corporations. The government establishes policy, and ensures they perform their functions properly. Much of the financing comes from the Treasury [Treasury: Government department responsible for finance. ], through taxation or grants. The government imposes tight controls. The relevant Government Minister can influence the choice of a corporation's Board and Chairperson. If serious problems arise, the Minister is questioned in Parliament, and is ultimately responsible.

Parliamentary Select Committees and Consultative Committees are set up to monitor and investigate any irregularities or complaints about public corporations. Despite all this, corporations have a separate legal identity and their Board controls the every day running of the organisation.