DCN Updates
‘Local government must remain local’ – DCN responds to Surrey decision
No evidence exists to support mega councils, study reveals
Councils urged to partner with prisons and be ‘smart’ by employing ex-offenders – Norse Group
DCN Conference 2026: Tickets are now on sale
‘We have bold plans to drive change,’ says new DCN Chair
DCN Chair gives Devo Bill evidence to MPs
A £250 tax bombshell? Fears mount over the cost of mega councils
DCN responds to the Fair Funding Review
Ensuring LGR facilitates digital transformation: a DCN/Capita roundtable
‘Small unitary councils can boost children’s services’
Punishing growth: Top house-building councils hit by maximum funding cut
‘The devolution label doesn’t match the contents’: DCN’s devo bill response
Who we are
The District Councils’ Network (DCN) is a cross-party network of 169 district and unitary councils. We are a special interest group of the Local Government Association, providing a single voice for all district services.
DCN member councils deliver a wide range of local government services to over 21 million people – 37% of England’s population. They cover 59% of the country by area. DCN councils are home to 39% of England’s businesses and 32% of national Gross Domestic Product.
They deliver visible frontline services that matter to every single resident and business in their local areas.
These include waste collection, planning and housing, homelessness prevention, welfare support, environmental health, parks and green spaces, leisure centres, and economic development.
DCN councils play a unique role in shaping local places to make them more prosperous. They drive local economic growth and the resurgence of local pride that goes with it. They hold vital keys to improving health and wellbeing and reducing pressure on the NHS. They have an unparalleled ability to support local residents who need it most and help prevent the social problems of tomorrow.
Reports
Research undertaken or commissioned by DCN on the issues that matter most to our members
‘Small unitary councils can boost children’s services’
New report: Social care reorganisation offers ‘chance to reset’ services
Growth, reform and trust: Creating places that deliver the potential of LGR
English Devolution White Paper: DCN’s briefing
Driving better health outcomes: districts’ role in ICSs
Districts Deliver: How local people view their councils
Empowered councils can deliver net zero and clean growth
Fit For the Future: The Health Value of Wellbeing and Leisure Services
Innovation Spotlight
Showcasing DCN member councils’ innovative approaches on place leadership, wellbeing and environmental issues
Pendle: The Yes Hub
Watford: Town Hall Quarter
Cambridge: Decarbonising transport
South Norfolk: District Direct social prescribing
Tendring: Primary school wellbeing hubs
Reigate & Banstead: Health creation networks
North Warwickshire: Household welcome bundle
Stafford: Local plan engagement
New Forest: Mental health practitioner
East Hampshire: Pinewood pods
East Devon: Innovation and resilience fund
Epsom and Ewell: Digital engagement
Partners
DCN partners with trusted private sector organisations.
Find out about their work by clicking on their logos


