Better Lives

Overview

Districts ensure that no one gets left behind by tackling the complex needs of today whilst preventing the social challenges of tomorrow. We act at a scale where it is possible to solve problems rather than simply manage caseloads.

The project group

The workstreams are currently undergoing a refresh, and an update on new workstream members will be posted shortly.
Contact: DCN@local.gov.uk for further information

Our workplan priorities include:

  • Ensuring funding for the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) continues to be delivered directly to district councils
  • Continuing to influence government to ensure the funding for short term supported housing is not passported and is delivered directly to districts
  • Demonstrating how districts are key to preventing and reducing the instances of homelessness and rough sleeping and ensure our best practice examples inform policy development.
  • Ensuring that the new burdens introduced with the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA) are properly funded by government for both short and long term
  • Supporting members implementing the HRA by sharing best practice and encouraging government to promote examples and learning from “trail blazer authorities”.
  • Support our members to ensure residents are living in homes free from hazards and landlords are complying with the required minimum standards of housing.

DCN UPDATES

Council tax: ‘Our logo is on the bill but we’re not getting the funding’

Council tax: ‘Our logo is on the bill but we’re not getting the funding’   Funding for police and crime commissioners (PCCs) now takes up a greater proportion of many council tax bills than funding for the council issuing the...
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Districts’ expertise must be embraced if Hunt’s growth plan is to be optimised

Districts’ expertise must be embraced if Hunt’s growth plan is to be optimised Jeremy Hunt’s Budget has the potential to empower local places to drive growth if the Government embraces the unique power of district councils – as the most...
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‘New funding will save many leisure centres – for now’

The District Councils’ Network is pleased that the Government has listened to our call to support the crisis-hit leisure sector. As part of the Spring Budget, the Treasury has announced a one-year £63m fund will support leisure centres with pools,...
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First anniversary of Homes for Ukraine: councils discuss their support for Ukrainians

The anniversary of the Homes for Ukraine scheme being launched has highlighted the work of councils to help support Ukrainians escaping war. English councils have strived to offer sanctuary to nearly 86,000 Ukrainians who have fled Putin’s invasion under the...
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District councils will thrive with financial freedom

District councils will thrive with financial freedom There is a balance to be struck between financial prudence and securing future growth opportunities, writes Kelly Watson, Head of Local Government Relationships at CCLA, in response to a CCLA/DCN roundtable on district...
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