DCN has unveiled a prospectus setting out how district councils can work with the next Government.

You can read our prospectus here: DCN Prospectus – General Election 2024 – FINAL.

Our unique closeness to communities means we have an unrivalled ability to transform the lives of the 19 million people that we serve.

District councils’ status as England’s most localised principal authorities gives us street-by-street knowledge of our places and the people who live in work in them.

We also have powers over housing, economic development, the environment, wellbeing and welfare – and a strong track record of supporting our residents when they need us.

Closer to Communities: The district council prospectus for transforming local places sets out how a partnership between the Government and district councils can help:

• Build many more homes and drive down homelessness
• Reduce pressure on the NHS and improve public health
• Deliver jobs and sustainable, inclusive growth
• Cut carbon emissions, tackle fuel poverty and grow the green economy
• Ensure that investment transforms local places.

“We want to drive change locally in genuine collaboration with central government based on mutual trust,” we say to the Government.

“We want to be your partner in reimagining public services from the bottom up and rooting them in real places. We want you to empower us with much greater autonomy to deliver excellent services for the people we jointly serve and make quick, tangible progress on national priorities.”