Our Work
We are a cross-party network, providing a single national voice for our district and unitary member councils
The DCN delivers value for our members by:
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- supporting our councils and being advocates for the work they do and the challenges they face
- facilitating collaboration, networking and access to information across all our councils
- influencing central government and the outside world to deliver the right national policy and funding framework for our councils to deliver the best possible services to residents
- producing evidence-based research on the key issues facing our councils and wider local government
Strategic Priorities
DCN has four strategic priorities which are the basis for our lobbying and research work
Environment, Net Zero and Sustainability
Our guardianship of the local environment contributes to the protection of the global environment
Finance and Investment
DCN member councils need sustainable resources and financial freedom to support their vital work
Health, Housing and Hardship
By intervening early we can tackle the causes of inequality, poverty, homelessness and poor health
Regeneration and Growth
District councils have a pivotal role in driving regeneration and economic development
Parliamentary work
APPG for District Councils
The APPG for District Councils seeks to promote district councils in parliament.
Reports
You can find here research undertaken or commissioned by DCN on the issues that matter most to our members
Case Study Report: How districts have continued to deliver during Covid-19
Case Study Report: How districts have continued to deliver during Covid-19
This brief report outlines some ...
SIZE DOESN’T MATTER: The arguments for place-based devolution
Size Doesn't Matter: The arguments for place-based devolution
A report by ResPublica for the District Councils’ ...
Bigger is not better: the evidenced case for keeping ‘local’ government
Bigger is not better: the evidenced case for keeping ‘local’ government
Given the scale of the challenge ...
Power in Place Infographic
Power in Place Key Messages
Opportunities for fiscal devolution drawing on lessons from overseas
Opportunities for fiscal devolution drawing on lessons from overseas
In this new report, Professor Colin Copus ...
Briefing Note: DCN Business Communities, Sectors and Innovation
Briefing Note: DCN Business Communities, Sectors and Innovation
Districts are the local leaders for economic ...
Briefing Note: District Recovery: Investment in Skills and Job Support
Briefing Note: District Recovery: Investment in Skills and Job Support
As proven again by the response ...
Effective Representation for Local Communities Report
Effective Representation for Local Communities
A functioning and effective local democracy requires a ...