Ahead of compiling its response to the local government finance settlement on behalf of its 200 members, the District Councils Network (DCN) welcomed the opportunity for talks with ministers and officials in which the important role played by districts in the housing and economic growth agenda was recognised.

Although challenging, there are a number of things to be welcomed with regards to the provisional settlement: the retention of New Homes Bonus, extra money for those authorities in sparsely populated rural areas and good engagement and consultation with key sector groups.