The types of services that could be provided through public private partnerships will vary from local government to local government based on the policies of their Councils or Boards. Generally, most services provided by local government could benefit from bringing the strengths of the private and public sectors together. Public private partnerships may be less suitable for local government services to which access cannot be restricted (such as services with "public good" characteristics, including bylaw enforcement, environment protection and social services). They may also be less suitable for essential services (such as policing, fire protection and other emergency services).
Local government officials and public groups tend to be more receptive to the provision of more specialized recreation facilities, solid and liquid waste management or utilities through public private partnerships.