Publications

DCN Submission on Community Budgets

Posted on by James Maker

Today, the DCN publishes its evidence to the Communities & Local Government Select Committee on Community Budgets. 

The DCN and its members have been strong supporters of the Government’s community budgets programme. Among’st participating district councils there has been and remains a strong commitment to the ambitions and principles of Community Budgets and a united recognition of the need for public services to be reformed to improve outcomes and reduce overall costs.

Our evidence demonstrates that districts have been full and active participants in the programme, particularly the Whole Essex Community Budget Pilot. The evidence clearly demonstrates that better outcomes and savings can only be secured through the integration of frontline district services across a range of areas including housing, community safety and benefits. The evidence provides a number of observations and recommendations to ensure districts continue to play a full and active role in the further roll-out across two-tier areas.

Whilst districts believe Community Budgets will lead to improved public services and better outcomes for local residents, there remains less clarity on whether districts (in the short-term) would be net contributors or net beneficiaries; particularly in relation to cashable savings. The DCN recognises that other parts of the public sector will be better enabled to secure their efficiencies and savings because of district involvement and that collective savings will be achieved; but this will be at the districts’ expense.

This is not a plea for more resource to be channelled to districts, but we call for recognition from Government of the specific contribution from districts in its future funding deliberations, especially for 2015/16. It is imperative that public sector partners work closely with Whitehall to develop a robust formula that can take these factors into consideration in relation to both the local distribution and reallocation of total and individual agency savings. The financial frameworks of community budgets need to convincing, robust and fair; correctly incentivise all public sector agencies to take part; and engender organisational commitment in the short, medium and long-term if they are to achieve their worthwhile aims.

Steve Atkinson, DCEN Chairman said

‘Our discussions with districts demonstrated that they have much to bring to the Community Budgets table and, if integration is to lead to improved outcomes and savings, districts must and will play a full and active part. In taking forward Community Budgets, it is important that financial frameworks correctly incentivise districts to take part. We ask that Whitehall and wider public sector partners acknowledge the vital role of local authorities in leading these programs to secure savings for a range of agencies, and not doubly penalise district councils through successive spending rounds and the unfair recycling and distribution of agency savings.’

Cllr Tony Jackson, DCN Executive Lead for New Ways of Working said,

‘Community Budgets will clearly play a central role in the future of public service delivery. The improvements in outcomes and savings they can generate make greater public service integration a priority for local authorities. The DCN submission provides valuable insights into the experiences of district councils and sensible recommendations on taking forward Community Budgets across two-tier areas.’

DCN CLG Submission – Community Budgets

DCN Press Release Community Budgets CLG Submission

DCN Police & Crime Commissioner Survey

Posted on by James Maker

During March 2013 the DCN (supported by the LGA) surveyed Senior Councillors within our membership to gather an indication of the levels of partnership engagement, particularly in relation to the forming of Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Police & Crime Plans.

Overall, the results demonstrate good levels of engagement and communication during the development of Police & Crime Plans, despite the extremely tight timescales imposed by the legislation. The majority of district respondents also indicated that positive partnership work and engagement was beginning to develop locally, and in the main they are confident that districts can work collaboratively with PCCs to deliver local policing priorities.

Download the full results below: 

DCN Survey – Districts & PCCs

DCN Response to Universal Credit Framework

Posted on by alexdimond

On 22nd March the DCN submitted our reponse to the Universal Credit Framework.

This submission expressed  a  lack of confidence regarding the freedom district councils have to develop this reform in a way which best suits their community. We have asked the DWP for further engagement with district councils to ensure the transition to Universal Credit is as smooth as possible and does not put vulnerable people into a more vulnerable position.

Below is the letter submitted to Lord Freud, an Executive Summary and a survey conducted for the response.

DCN Universal Credit Framework Letter

DCN Executive Summary Universal Credit Framework

DCN Universal Credit Full Response

DCN Response to Heseltine Review

Posted on by James Maker

Following the publication of the Government’s Response to the Heseltine Review, the DCN have produced a members briefing on the measures effecting district councils, as well as a statement on the overall package of policies below.

In response to the Treasury & Lord Heseltine, the DCN said:

In November 2012, the District Councils’ Network (DCN) welcomed the majority of Lord Heseltine’s recommendations in his review and report No Stone Unturned in the Pursuit of Growth. Whilst we firmly rejected his call for a uniform move towards unitary status in two-tier local authority areas, we welcomed many of his recommendations on devolving and decentralising influence, power and resources over economic growth.

In their formal response, the Government is right to heed the sector’s concerns over centrally imposed local government reorganisation. Rather than be distracted by the cost and upheaval of these unnecessary reforms, the Government is instead right to focus on, and strengthen, the district role in securing economic prosperity for their local communities.

The creation of a single, devolved, pot funding is particularly welcomed. Alongside the creation of LEPs and district involvement in the first and second wave of City Deals, this continues a process of dispersing the levers of economic power from Whitehall to localities. As the Coalition acknowledge, local authorities and their private sector partners are best placed to understand the needs of local economies and take the lead on economic growth.

If the Government devolve the necessary funding streams and powers through the single pot, this will enable local government and their partners to deliver the national priority of improved economic performance and strengthen its commitment to localism and decentralisation. It is vital that the Government shows real backing for these measures at the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR). The Chancellor should ensure that he decentralises the substantial resources and range powers identified within the Heseltine Review, whilst delivering a fair and sustainable financial settlement for local government that promotes, rather than hinders, its ability to support local economies.

 DCN Brief on Gov Response to Heseltine Review

DCN Assembly 7.3.2013

Posted on by alexdimond

On 7th March the DCN hosted it’s Spring Assembly. This Assembly was well attended with Nick Boles MP, the Planning Minister, as one of the speakers.

This Assembly also had speakers from the New Local Government Network (NLGN), Norwich City Council and WENTA. Below are the presentations delivered by the speakers (please note Nick Boles MP did not use a presentation).

NLGN- The Road Not Taken

Norwich- City Deals

DCN Assembly Notes 7.3.13

 

NLGN report ‘The Road Not Taken – New Ways of Working for District Councils’ Launched

Posted on by James Maker

Today at the DCN Assembly we are launching the New Local Government Network (NLGN) report The Road Not Taken – New Ways of Working for District Councils, supported DCN.

The report argues that districts can be a central cog of local growth. It identifies how bold districts are realising their potential, partnering with developers, businesses and LEPs to attract investment and employment to their areas. By way of example, districts are:

  • Investing in new house building
  • Unlocking retail and business development
  • Leading on City Deal bids

The research also found that the majority of district council chief executives are confident in their council’s ability to deliver short and medium term priorities. But they recognise that this confidence must be translated into new ways of working and economic recovery driven from the bottom up.

NLGN Director, Simon Parker, said: “Far from retreating in the face of the cuts, many district councils have chosen to lead the way in driving growth, reshaping their organisations and sharing management teams. This is a time of profound change in the shires, but this report suggests that confident districts have their best days ahead of them.”

Cllr Tony Jackson, DCN Lead member for new ways of working, said:” DCN welcomes this report and thanks the NLGN for its hard work. It marks the beginning of the debate among districts and the type of councils they want to be in the future. It is important now that we support districts to recognise the paths they can take and work with them to achieve their visions for the future.”

Download your copy of the report NLGN – The Road Not Taken

 

MJ & DCN feature on Economic Growth

Posted on by James Maker

In this week’s MJ their is an exclusive piece of research showcasing the work of districts in promoting economic growth. The piece has contributions from Housing Minister Mark Prisk MP, district chief executives Tony Curtis, Christine Fisher and Gary Payne, and district council leaders Cllr Chris Knowles-Fitton, Cllr David Mackintosh and Cllr John Fuller.

Download a PDF copy of the research below.

MJ Economic Growth Feature    

 

Public Health Event Presentations & Knowledge Hub Group

Posted on by James Maker

On Monday the DCN hosted its Public Health Event at Local Government House, London. The event was a great success and was attended by over 120 people from districts, county councils, and the health sector. This event launched our new Publication District Action on Public Health. This can be downloaded here.

Below are the slides from the presentations delivered by our speakers (please note Duncan Selbie did not use a presentation).

DCN Public Health Event – Sandra Whiles

DCN Public Health Event – Dr Ruth Milton

DCN Public Health – Tim Baxter DH

DCN Public Health – Paul Brookes

DCN Public Health – CIH Workshop

DCN Public Health Event – CIEH Workshop

To continue the vital dialogue on the district role in public health, the DCN have created a specific Knowledge Hub Group.  You can access the group by clicking here. To access the group you must be a member of Knowledge Hub. If you’re not already a member, it’s quick and easy to become a member by clicking here. This group is aimed at discussing the content of District Action on Public Health and more importantly sharing best practice and your local experiences of implementation.

District Action on Public Health

Posted on by James Maker

Today at our Public Health Event in London, the District Councils’ Network is publishing District Action on Public Health; how district councils contribute towards the new health & wellbeing agenda in local government. Produced in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), District Action on Public Health comprehensively explores the district contribution to the new public health system in England. Demonstrating the sector’s impact across the wider determinants, health improvement and health protection, the publication provides essential information for public health stakeholders and best practice case studies of service delivery and public health collaboration in two-tier areas. District Action on Public Health is a major contribution to ensuring district councils play an important role in the new public health system and help to deliver lasting improvements to health outcomes and reductions in health inequalities.

District Action on Public Health

 

DCN Local Enterprise Partnerships: The Role and Contribution in unlocking growth

Posted on by alexdimond

Below is a publication by the DCN on Local Enterprise Partnerships: The Role and Contribution in unlocking growth

This publication sets out the role of district councils in delivering local growth and how they can use these powers to support Local Enterprise Partnerships. The role of delivering growth is recognised as a districts responsibility and their
involvement in LEP’s is essential.

The publication can be found here: DCN Local Enterprise Partnerships: The Role and Contribution in unlocking growth

DCN Public Health Survey

Posted on by James Maker

Today the DCN publishes the results of the public health surveys it carried out with its own district members and also county councils on the specific role of district councils in the public health reforms.

The results show overwhelming support for the reforms in two-tiers areas and the role of district councils in successfully delivering the new public health arrangements. Whilst there are local challenges to implementation in two-tier areas, there has been a 24% increase in levels of ‘positive’ engagement amongst districts with Health & Well-being Boards, whilst both tiers believe there is strong and varied role for the sector in the new public health agenda.

The full report can be found here: DCN Public Health Survey

DCN Briefing: Government Housing and Growth Announcement – 6th September 2012

Posted on by James Maker

On the 6th September the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Eric Pickles announced a major new housing and planning package designed to promote economic growth including house building, speeding up of planning permissions and boost the construction industry.

The following link below provides an outline of some of those changes and related issues for district councils.

DCN Planning and Housing Brief

 

DCN Homelessness Research & Policy Briefing

Posted on by James Maker

The Government published its Homelessness Prevention Plan Making every contact count: A joint approach to homelessness on August 17th 2012 alongside the most recent homelessness and prevention statistics.

This DCN research & Policy paper gives a brief analysis of the homelessness and prevention statistics before providing an overview of the Government’s Plan and its implications for Districts.

DCN Homelessness Research & Policy Briefing

DCN Population Analysis

Posted on by James Maker

Following the publication of the first population estimates from the 2011 Census, the District Councils Network (DCN) has undertaken a detailed analysis of the figures. The attached report analyses the 2001 and 2011 figures by population size, gender and age group. Figures are broken down to individual District & County level and are also compared at District/County, London & Metropolitan Borough, and English & Welsh Unitary local authority areas.

The Population Analysis shows that, compared to other local authority areas in England & Wales, District Councils are disproportionately suffering from an ageing population – widely acknowledged as the largest cost-pressure facing the public sector in the coming years. It argues that in light of the findings, Central Government should acknowledge the unique pressures created by the disproportionate effect an ageing population is having on district council services and take these into account throughout the policy making and funding allocations process.

DCN 2011 Population Analysis

Localism Event Presentations

Posted on by James Maker

Below is the presentation delivered by the DCLG at the DCN Event Councillors & Communities – Implementing the Localism Act. 

DCLG Presentation – Localism Event

Unfortunately, due to the size of the files, we are unable to post Leslie Silverlock’s, the NLGN and The Grand Pavilion presentation slides. However, if you would like these slides please email james.maker@local.gov.uk and he will send them via email.