The Local Government Association (LGA) has developed a councillor handbook on public protection services, which provides an overview of council environmental health, trading standards and licensing services.

The LGA said:

"This handbook provides an overview of council environmental health, trading standards and licensing services which collectively fall under the broad theme of public protection services, and are part of a spectrum of place-focused protective services ranging from environmental focused services, through public protection, to community safety.

"The handbook sits alongside related LGA handbooks on different areas of licensing and is intended to assist all councillors in understanding the key functions of these important but complex services and how they can be used to support a wide range of key council priorities. Additionally, it can be used by portfolio holders or other councillors to support understanding of what to look out for in scrutinising and leading these services within your council."