A proxy network element for controlling access to services in a communications system is disclosed. The proxy network element is configured to communicate with at least one further network element using a protocol belonging to a plurality of protocols, the at least one further network element controlling service usage based on service subscriptions. The proxy network element is also configured to provide access for the at least one further network element to at least one information store storing information relating to service subscriptions. The proxy network element provides support for communicating using the plurality of protocols and support for accessing a plurality of different information stores.