DCN Updates
Reaction to PM’s speech: Top-down approach to waste must end
Save the date for DCN’s Annual Conference
DCN responds to APPG on housing and planning’s inquiry
Council Tax Exemptions for Second and Empty Homes: DCN response to Government consultation
DCN Responds to Public Accounts Committee Inquiry into the Government’s Resources and Waste Reforms in England
“District preventative services have huge potential to tackle health inequalities.” DCN response to the Government’s Sports Strategy
Councils remain optimistic about the future of waste collection, despite ongoing silence from DEFRA
“This is good for local residents and good for local jobs.” DCN welcomes Government action on nutrient neutrality
Best Value: DCN’s response to Government consultation
‘I’d like 20 robots by 2025’: councils discuss radical transformation
‘Jobs and investment will suffer if district expertise is side-lined’ – DCN responds to LEPs’ axing
Who we are
The District Councils’ Network (DCN) is a cross-party network of 167 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 20 million people – 36% of England’s population. They cover 53% of the country by area. DCN councils are home to 36% of England’s businesses and 30% 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
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
Bigger is still Not Better – a report by Professor Colin Copus
Levelling up places: A series of case studies demonstrating districts’ power in place
Levelling up towns and cities in non- metropolitan England: Principles for county devolution
Briefing note: The Resources and Waste Strategy Reforms
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
Tewkesbury: Bulky waste
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
Partners
DCN partners with trusted private sector organisations.
Find out about their work by clicking on their logos
