News & Opinion
You can find here our press releases, consultation responses, briefings and newsletters – as well as opinion articles written by leading figures
Councils will stay close to communities – our response to LGR announcement
Genuinely local government can be enhanced as a result of today’s decision to keep councils close to communities, ...
Leading locally. Influencing nationally.
Local government is changing – and so are weDevolution and local government reorganisation are reshaping the way ...
DCN becomes the Local Councils Network
The District Councils’ Network has today relaunched itself as the Local Councils Network (LCN).
The rebirth of ...
DCN is becoming the Local Councils Network: Your questions answered
Local Councils Network Launch
Why are you rebranding to the Local Councils Network (LCN)?Â
Local government ...
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 ...
‘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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Revealed: the three reforms that could deliver 100,000 affordable homes
A landmark report today sets out a comprehensive plan to tackle England’s housing crisis, including three reforms ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Local services’ financial outlook remains troubled: DCN’s Budget response
The District Councils’ Network has responded to today’s Budget, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves this ...
Cuts to council funding will hit housebuilding and growth
Many people living outside the biggest cities face a visible contraction in local services after the Government ...
DCN responds to launch of reorganisation consultations
The Government has today announced consultations on local government reorganisation in the six areas which are ...
‘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 ...
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 – ...
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 ...
‘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 ...
‘Small unitary councils can boost children’s services’
Proximity to place helps support children and families, says new report as council reorganisation looms
Smaller ...
‘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 ...
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 ...
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 ...