News & Opinion
You can find here our press releases, consultation responses, briefings and newsletters – as well as opinion articles written by leading figures
Your council’s opportunity to spur national change
If central government could change one thing that would help your council deliver better outcomes locally, what ...
Mayoral power to overrule councils on planning: LCN responds
The Local Councils Network has responded to proposals to give elected mayors powers to overrule councils on ...
Vape and betting shop crackdown: LCN responds
The Local Councils Network has responded to Government plans to “save hollowed out high streets”, including by ...
Tax devo is a real step forward – but councils must be empowered to aid every postcode
Income tax money for mayors is a real step forward for devolution – next, proper funding for everyday council ...
‘Let’s pull together to make new councils successful’
Councils should pull together more than ever to ensure the success of the biggest local government shake-up in a ...
Public Sector Challenge: How you can help
Officers and councillors at LCN member councils are being urged to don their walking boots to raise money for ...
Our new Policy Network is now open for applications
The LCN Policy Network offers a new way for officers in member councils to contribute their expertise and ...
LCN welcomes new unitary member
Medway Council has become a member of the Local Councils Network (LCN), with its Leader describing the new ...
LCN’s political balance revealed
The LCN’s political proportionality has been confirmed following the local elections.
The figures are produced ...
Half of homes receiving planning permission remain unbuilt
Most councils have granted enough planning permissions to meet Government-set targets – but many aren’t resulting ...
Councils will stay close to communities – LCN reacts to LGR decision
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 we
Devolution and local government reorganisation are reshaping the ...
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)?
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 built
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 ...