News & Opinion
You can find here our press releases, consultation responses, briefings and newsletters – as well as opinion articles written by leading figures
Cuts to flood protection force councils to step in
Local taxpayers and service users set to feel the pinch as councils face river maintenance spend hike
Vast ...
Birketts to offer LGR training
DCN is delighted to announce that we’ve entered a new partnership with Birketts LLP, a top 50 UK law firm ...
DCN responds to announcement of delay to local elections
The District Councils’ Network has responded to the Government announcement that county and district councils can ...
DCN responds to mayoral election delays: England’s power imbalance is perpetuated
The Government has today announced the delay of mayoral elections in Devolution Priority Programme areas from 2026 ...
Local services’ financial outlook remains troubled: DCN’s Budget response
The District Councils’ Network has responded to today’s Budget, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves this ...
Cuts to council funding will hit housebuilding and growth
Many people living outside the biggest cities face a visible contraction in local services after the Government ...
DCN responds to launch of reorganisation consultations
The Government has today announced consultations on local government reorganisation in the six areas which are ...
‘Don’t cut out the voice of local people’: DCN responds to planning reforms
The District Councils’ Network has responded to Government plans to strip councils of their power to block large ...
Temporary accommodation freeze costs equals 1,100 social homes a year
A funding freeze on Government support for temporary accommodation is draining district councils of £268m a year – ...
No evidence exists to support mega councils, study reveals
Spending and performance data shows no benefit from proposed 500k population size
Claims that mega councils ...
‘Local government must remain local’ – DCN responds to Surrey decision
The District Councils’ Network (DCN) notes the Government’s decision to create two unitary councils in ...
‘Small unitary councils can boost children’s services’
Proximity to place helps support children and families, says new report as council reorganisation looms
Smaller ...
‘We have bold plans to drive change,’ says new DCN Chair
The District Councils’ Network’s new Chair took the reins last night at a crucial moment for all member ...
DCN Chair gives Devo Bill evidence to MPs
District councils should be given a seat at the table of new strategic authorities to ensure their longstanding ...
A £250 tax bombshell? Fears mount over the cost of mega councils
Concern has been expressed that taxpayers could count the cost of new mega councils after analysis shows that the ...
Punishing growth: Top house-building councils hit by maximum funding cut
Local government funding reform will hit the Government’s growth mission and target of building 1.5 million homes, ...
‘The devolution label doesn’t match the contents’: DCN’s devo bill response
Mega councils could be forced on areas regardless of whether existing councils or residents want them
The ...
Slashing preventative services and home-building incentives won’t solve councils’ funding crisisÂ
Changes in how funding is distributed between councils appear set to result in the erosion of local government ...
The public must have the final say on mega councils
It’s undemocratic not to proactively seek views of communities on council reorganisation
The ...
DCN responds to spending review: prevention spend is a long-term investment Â
The District Councils’ Network has responded to the Chancellor’s unveiling today of the spending review.
We are ...
DCN responds to council reorganisation update
The District Councils’ Network (DCN) has said that no alternative exists to strong, community-focused councils, ...
UPDATED: Performance data undermines case for mega councils
Little correlation between unitary councils’ size and service quality, official data reveals
NOTE: This ...
Council shake-up must promote sustainable reform over short-term fixes
Reorganisation could create larger versions of dysfunctionality, warns independent report
Local government ...