District Councils Network
We need to be ready to cope with the next shock
When the opportunity to reflect comes, Ian Miller feels the conclusion may be reached that the UK was not well prepared for COVID-19.
Boris: Councils have to 'do what it takes' to beat crisis
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told local government it has to ‘do what it takes’ to beat the coronavirus crisis.
Districts call for 'more robust' audit procurement
District councils have called for a ‘more robust procurement process’ as an increasing number of auditors shift away from their tendered prices.
Working across boundaries to build better lives and stronger economies
With a Budget and the devolution White Paper round the corner, residents now need the convening, enabling and leadership role offered by districts, says Cllr John Fuller.
Alarm bells over £6.6bn property spending spree
Auditors have suggested an overhaul of council borrowing and investment rules may be needed after ‘alarm bells’ were triggered by billions of pounds of spending.
Sharing of powers is not devolution
District councils need a broader range of fiscal devolution, starting with the taxes, fees and charges that councils already collect, says Ian Miller.
Retention split negotiations founder on district fears
Talks over future division of business rates foundered over fears district councils could be left worse off, it has emerged.
DCN chairman declares 'our time has come'
District authorities will have a key role to play in the implementation of the Government’s devolution agenda, the chairman of the District Councils’ Network (DCN) has said.
Call for Government to focus on hidden homeless
Central Government’s focus on rough sleepers is hindering efforts to help ‘hidden homeless’ families, it has been claimed.
Local government prepares for planning battle
Battle lines are being drawn ahead of a proposed overhaul of the planning system.
LGA chair's concerns over Cumbria reorganisation
Doubts have been expressed over the proposed reorganisation of local government in Cumbria.
Driving forward our town centre vision
Great Yarmouth BC's interventions under the Future High Streets Fund will not bring about the transformational change desired If they are 'unpacked and cherry-picked', says Sheila Oxtoby.
Districts need more certainty on funding
We need a better idea of proposals and transitional arrangements on New Homes Bonus and business rates, says Simone Hines - and the recent extension of various business rates reliefs are raising tricky questions, she adds.
DCN: Council tax allowance not sufficient
The Government’s proposed council tax referendum threshold of 2% or £5 for shire district councils is ‘not sufficient,’ the District Councils’ Network (DCN) has said.
Getting districts ‘match fit’ for the global stage
The District Councils’ Network (DCN) annual conference in Warwick will provide a golden opportunity to shape our post-Brexit future, says Cllr John Fuller.
The stage is set for districts to demonstrate their key role
We hope ministers take away the message from conference next month that it is districts, backed by long-term sustainable funding, who are best placed to turn the new decade into the roaring twenties, says Cllr John Fuller.
We need a longer-term strategy on nutrient neutrality
All but a few new housing developments are getting planning permission because of the need for planning authorities in south Hampshire to demonstrate nutrient neutrality, according to Gill Kneller. She says a clear solution is needed.
Delayed audit council names kept under wraps
The 150 councils where auditors were unable to issue an opinion by the end of September are expected to escape being named and shamed.
District councils play a major role in health and well-being.
If we can keep our most vulnerable residents safe, well and happy in their own homes, this will prevent future health crises that could cost the public purse far more, says Paul Shevlin.
Councils ask General Election candidates for funding reforms
Councils have made their pitches to the parties vying for control of Westminster as the General Election campaign officially gets under way.