Council companies, also known as Local Authority Trading Companies (LATCOs), are entities that are established and owned by local councils or local authorities. These companies are established to carry out a wide range of commercial activities, which can include property development, procurement services, and other community-focused projects.

The primary aim of these companies often revolves around regeneration, improving local services, and contributing to the local economy. Council companies operate with a dual focus, managing both commercial success and aligning with political and social objectives specific to the local authority's agenda. They can sometimes operate where there is a gap in the market, where the private sector or the local council on its own does not provide a solution to a particular service need.