Many people living outside the biggest cities face a visible contraction in local services after the Government today announced severe funding cuts for some...
Cuts to council funding will hit housebuilding and growth
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DCN Updates
DCN responds to launch of reorganisation consultations
The Government has today announced consultations on local government reorganisation in the six areas which are part of the Devolution Priority Programme. In...
‘Don’t cut out the voice of local people’: DCN responds to planning reforms
The District Councils’ Network has responded to Government plans to strip councils of their power to block large housing developments. The Ministry of...
Temporary accommodation freeze costs equals 1,100 social homes a year
A funding freeze on Government support for temporary accommodation is draining district councils of £268m a year – enough money to build over a thousand...
DCN Conference 2026: Information for prospective sponsors and exhibitors
We’re delighted to announce that DCN's Annual Conference takes place on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 March 2026 – and it contains many potential opportunities...
‘Local government must remain local’ – DCN responds to Surrey decision
The District Councils’ Network (DCN) notes the Government’s decision to create two unitary councils in Surrey. Under plans approved by the Government, 11...
No evidence exists to support mega councils, study reveals
Spending and performance data shows no benefit from proposed 500k population size Claims that mega councils with populations in excess of 500,000 will save...
Councils urged to partner with prisons and be ‘smart’ by employing ex-offenders – Norse Group
Councils are urged to support training schemes for ex-offenders and give them jobs following launch of innovative job scheme with HMP Norwich - a sponsored...
DCN Conference 2026: Tickets are now on sale
We’re delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for the DCN Annual Conference on Thursday 19 to Friday 20 March 2026. Following the success of our...
‘We have bold plans to drive change,’ says new DCN Chair
The District Councils’ Network’s new Chair took the reins last night at a crucial moment for all member councils. Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of North...
DCN Chair gives Devo Bill evidence to MPs
District councils should be given a seat at the table of new strategic authorities to ensure their longstanding housing and planning expertise is fully...
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...