The National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee are responsible for scrutinizing the operation of governmental departments and other central government bodies. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration investigates complaints by members of the public who claim to have sustained injustice in consequence of maladministration by government departments and agencies. Maladministration includes bias, neglect, inattention, delay, incompetence, ineptitude and arbitrariness. The charge can also include deliberate abuse of power or financial corruption. The Commissioner for Local Administration is the equivalent for local government. Ministers may hold inquiries to help them make decisions under the local government legislation and local authorities may also conduct their own inquiries. References