What is the primary role of county councils in local governance?

The primary role of county councils in local governance centers around providing education and social services. County councils are responsible for administering and overseeing local education systems, which include maintaining schools and ensuring educational standards are met. They also manage various social services such as adult and children's social care, public health initiatives, and support for vulnerable populations. This function is integral as it ensures that communities have access to essential education and welfare services that facilitate the well-being of residents.

While housing management, environmental regulation, and traffic control are important aspects of local governance, they are not the central focus of county councils. Housing management typically falls under district councils, environmental regulation can involve various agencies and regulations beyond county councils, and traffic control usually involves local authorities or transport departments. Thus, the comprehensive responsibilities of county councils are most aligned with education and social services, making it the correct answer.