In Wales, the WLGA, LGA and Local Government Regulation work together to help councils trading standards, environmental health and licensing work.

The WLGA Regulatory services Spokesman is on the Local Government RegulationBoard of Directors and particular service needs are agreed each year between Local Government Regulation and WLGA officers. In particular Local Government Regulation work closely with the WLGA Regulatory Services Policy Officer.

Local Government Regulation key roles in Wales are to develop and promote policies, which impact on regulatory services, to enhance linkages between local authorities, professional organisations, and UK wide bodies and to spread best regulatory practice. Liaison with the Welsh Assembly Government is led by WLGA with Local Government Regulation support as requested.

Recognition has been given to the vital role regulatory services provide both to the quality of life and health of local communities and to local economies through the provision of a level playing field for fair trading.

At this time the UK government remains the primary driver of policy and legislation on the majority of regulatory activities, as most regulatory services are not devolved to the Welsh Assembly Government (http://www.wales.gov.uk/index.htm). The notable exceptions are food safety, food standards, for which they are advised by the Food Standards Agency Wales (http://www.food.gov.uk/wales/), and animal health and welfare which are devolved to the Assembly, along with ‘better government’ initiatives such as business partnerships.