Local government is changing – and so are weDevolution and local government reorganisation are reshaping the way places across England are led. At the same...
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Press Releases
DCN becomes the Local Councils Network
The District Councils’ Network has today relaunched itself as the Local Councils Network (LCN). The rebirth of the organisation – which has 169 unitary and...
DCN is becoming the Local Councils Network: Your questions answered
Local Councils Network Launch Why are you rebranding to the Local Councils Network (LCN)? Local government reorganisation means district and county councils...
Uzbek local leaders explore community engagement in Brentwood
A delegation from Uzbekistan has visited DCN and Brentwood Borough Council to learn about how district councils work with communities at a local level. The...
DCN responds to reinstatement of cancelled local polls
The District Councils’ Network has responded to the Government’s announcement that local elections due to be cancelled will take place after all. Councils...
‘The exclusion of planning authorities from strategic planning defies sense’
Government plans to exclude planning authorities from strategic planning could result in confusion and complexity which undermines housebuilding plans,...
DCN responds to the Final Local Government Finance Settlement
The final Local Government Finance Settlement (LGFS) 2026-27 contains good news for district councils. There had been the prospect of the Government making a...
Red tape removal could see thousands of council homes builtÂ
Thousands of new council homes could be built after the Government announced it will lift one of the biggest barriers to much-needed affordable housing. The...
Cuts to flood protection force councils to step in
Local taxpayers and service users set to feel the pinch as councils face river maintenance spend hike Vast swathes of low-lying land face increased risk of...
DCN responds to announcement of delay to local elections
The District Councils’ Network has responded to the Government announcement that county and district councils can apply to ministers to postpone elections...
Birketts to offer LGR training
DCN is delighted to announce that we’ve entered a new partnership with Birketts LLP, a top 50 UK law firm specialising in advising the public sector. Birketts...
DCN responds to mayoral election delays: England’s power imbalance is perpetuated
The Government has today announced the delay of mayoral elections in Devolution Priority Programme areas from 2026 to 2028. This will impact on 7.5 million...