The DCN Housing Project Officer, Rebecca Slack, attend this event, held by the Housing Quality Network. Below is an overview of some of the key impacts of the Localism Act on how social housing is allocated. The event also provided an initial update from the DCLG on some of the emerging findings from the recent DCLG consultation on the Guidance on Allocation of Accommodation.
To discuss with Rebecca, contact her Rebecca.Slack@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk
The NHS hosted a national learning event ‘Building Successful Health and Wellbeing Boards’ on the 24th April. The DCN was invited to contribute to the event and showcase some of the excellent work taking place in districts. Below are the slides from the presentation given.
A district brief on the Open Public Service White Paper Report
Districts came together on Friday 20th April at the DCN and Basildon BC event on enabling growth. They heard from John Hayes, MP and Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, from Basildon’s Chief Executive on their approach to enabling growth in Basildon.
The Afternoon session heard from Max Wide, iMpower, on his approach to public private partnerships and how districts can enable the private sector to grow. A Panel session finished the day discussing barriers to growth and working with the private sector.
The events concept, design and delivery was all done by Basildon’s Graduate employees.
Slides from the event are available below.
The DCN Event Planning – A district perspective took place earlier this week both have been our best attended events so far. The highlight of the event was hearing from Steve Quartermain the Chief Planner at Communities and Local Government and taking a closer look at the neighbourhood planning agenda. If you were unable to attend the please take a look at the slides below.
During the event Mr Quartermain mentioned the National Planning Policy Framework advice line for all councils, this can be accessed on 0303 4445 500.
District council leaders and chief executives are invited to come along to an event to:
Time: 10.30 – 15.00
Date: 20 April 2012
Location: Green Centre, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, Basildon, Essex, SS16 4UH
Motorway: A13 from M25
Car park: The Green Centre has onsite parking
Train: trains 40 mins from London Fenchurch Street Station, a shuttle bus service from Pitsea will be provided.
To book a place contact vicky.stavropoulou@local.gov.uk. or use the booking-form
The DCN’s full response to the governments consultation on the allocation of accommodation can be found below.
Steve Atkinsons, Chairman of the District Chief Executives Network, monthly update can be downloaded below.
The District Councils’ Network has put together a briefing on the National Planning Policy Framework. This summarises the key aspects of the policy and the implications for district councils. Please download the briefing from the link below.
The DCN Chairman, Neil Clarke, has circulated his monthy update. The link below will take you to the full document.
Below you will find links to the DCN March Assembly meeting notes, slides and handouts.
Item 4 and 8 Breakout Groups
Slides on Police and Crime Commissioners and Panels
Slides on The Big Bang (finance and council tax)
Handout on Councils Tax Benefit Localisation
Item 7 Localism Workshop
Today the DCN held a seminar on Community Infrastructure Levy. Below are the presentations from the speakers
The District Councils’ Network is looking for a new Policy Officer to support the increasing research-based lobbying work of the organisation. The network provides a single voice for districts to central government and other national organisations. We are a membership organisation and represent 186 district councils.
We are looking for a someone to build our capacity in this exciting new role – could this be you?
You will have excellent research and analytical skills, and be able to network and establish effective working relationships with the LGA and government bodies. You will be an excellent communicator – both written and in person. You will be educated to degree level and have direct experience of working for a local authority in a political environment.
You will have a flexible approach to work and be quick to use your own initiative. You will have great interpersonal skills and be self motivated. You will demonstrate an understanding of the strategic challenges faced by district councils and the services they provide.
Salary: £27,007
Hours: 37hrs per week
Post Ref: DCNPO13412
This position is a fixed term position for a minimum of one year
To discuss the post please contact Emma Tucker emma.tucker@local.gov.uk
Deadline for applications 12 noon, 13 April 2012.
Please submit applications to
emma.tucker@local.gov.uk
or send to
Emma Tucker
District Councils Network
Local Government House
Smith Square
London
SW1P 3HZ
If posting your application please allow plenty of time for delivery!
The DCN events on Universal Credit and Council Tax Benefit were well attended and well recieved. The slides for the speakers can be found at the links below.
The District Councils’ Network has responded to the consultationon amending the powers of local authorities regarding presentation of waste for collection. The response can be found at the link below.
The DCN has fully responded to the consultation on the regulations for Healthwatch England Membership. Below is the full response and covering letter.
The monthly update from the Chairman of the District Chief Executives’ Network can be read below
The DCN Chairman, Neil Clarke’s monthly update can be read below.
To support members with the introduction of Police and Crime Panels and Commissioner the DCN has produced briefings touching on the key points.
The District Councils’ Network has submitted it’s response to the consultation on reinvigorating the Right to Buy with one for one replacements. Read the full DCN response here.
Following the publication of the governments final proposals for the reform of external audit the DCN has put together the briefing below. This paper looks at the elements of the District Councils’ Network’s response to the consultation.
Below is the Chairman of the District Councils’ Network’s monthly update
The County Councils Network and the District Councils’ Network have worked together to produce a joint advice note on implementing Community Infrastructure Levy. The note draws on the work of Newark and Sherwood in Nottinghamshire as the first CIL to be adopted in the country.
The DCN has submitted a response to the consultation on neighbourhood planning regulations. To read our full response and covering letter see below.
DCN neighbourhood planning response
The DCN has submitted their response to the consultation on Community Infrastructure Levy: detailed proposals and draft regulations for reform. To read the full response see below.
The DCN has drafted the briefing below looking at the implications and issues of the Health and Social Care Bill for districts.
The DCN has drafted the brief below on the Governments Housing Strategy.
The District Councils’ Network recently surveyed member authorities on their experience of health and wellbeing boards. For a summary of the results please click the link below.
The District Councils’ Network undertook a survey to establish what our future priorties and work should be. For the report please click the link below.
The District Councils’ Network recently asked members about their experience of Local Enterprise Partnerships. Click on the link below to read the full report.