What is the primary responsibility of county councils?

County councils have a multifaceted role, but their primary responsibility encompasses overseeing education, social services, and strategic planning. This reflects the essential functions that county councils fulfill within local governance.

Education is a significant area of responsibility for councils, as they manage schools and other educational services to ensure that children receive quality education. This includes setting educational standards and addressing local needs. Furthermore, social services are crucial because they involve the welfare of communities, including services for children, the elderly, and vulnerable populations. By providing these services, county councils contribute to overall social well-being and address issues such as family support and safeguarding.

Strategic planning is another vital function of county councils as it involves long-term planning and development initiatives that shape the future of the community. This encompasses land use, community development, and ensuring infrastructure meets the needs of residents.

While the other choices list important functions of local government bodies, they fall under broader categories of services provided by councils and do not specifically encapsulate the primary focus of county councils as comprehensive as education and social services do. Hence, the correct answer highlights the core responsibilities that define the role of county councils in supporting and managing essential public services for their communities.