MI5 agents to bug or burgle private premises, while the tribunal responds to complaints from the public about the security service.

ECONOMIST: MI5

House concerts are invitation-only gigs, staged on private premises.

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Another kind of private-sector involvement is through the private finance initiative, providing premises.

ECONOMIST: Privatising state education has had mixed results

This included confiscating private laptops that were on the premises at the time.

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Mr Hoon, whose enjoyment of three properties occurred during his stint as defence secretary, says that living in secure state premises was a cheaper option for the taxpayer than having round-the-clock security at his private home.

ECONOMIST: Expenses-gate