District councils should be given a seat at the table of new strategic authorities to ensure their longstanding housing and planning expertise is fully...
DCN Chair gives Devo Bill evidence to MPs
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DCN Updates
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 existing largest local authorities have the...
DCN responds to the Fair Funding Review
The District Councils' Network has responded to the Government's Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation. We support the aim of better matching councils’...
Ensuring LGR facilitates digital transformation: a DCN/Capita roundtable
Frustration was expressed that the transformation element of LGR – digital change, in particular – is being neglected in the rush for councils to agree new...
‘Small unitary councils can boost children’s services’
Proximity to place helps support children and families, says new report as council reorganisation looms Smaller councils can have a “natural advantage” in...
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, district councils warn The councils doing...
‘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 District Councils’ Network has responded to today’s...
New report: Social care reorganisation offers ‘chance to reset’ services
Adult social care will be one of the biggest challenges and opportunities for new unitary councils after LGR. DCN is pleased to publish this important new...
Slashing preventative services and home-building incentives won’t solve councils’ funding crisis
Changes in how funding is distributed between councils appear set to result in the erosion of local government services across vast swathes of England. The...
The public must have the final say on mega councils
It’s undemocratic not to proactively seek views of communities on council reorganisation The side-lining of the public in determining the future of...
DCN responds to spending review: prevention spend is a long-term investment
The District Councils’ Network has responded to the Chancellor’s unveiling today of the spending review. We are particularly supportive of the scale of the...
DCN responds to council reorganisation update
The District Councils’ Network (DCN) has said that no alternative exists to strong, community-focused councils, in response to the Local Government...