Bee or wasp?

Hello all,

Does anyone know if this is a wasp or a bee?

My wife and I moved into a house last month and there is an airbrick (vent) built into the back wall of the house that has loads of these wasps or bees, flying in and out.

We have phoned the council and they have said that if they are wasps that they can get rid of them but if they are honey bees that we will need to get someone in to relocate them to another hive.

I cannot see any nests in the loft and as we have just moved in the loft is empty, so I have had a good look....

I understand the importance of honey bees (I watch David Attenborough)  

Any help appreciated