Local government reorganisation challenges us all. The deadlines are daunting, the process is complicated and the workload is immense.
However, we must not lose sight of the fact that we are being presented with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink local government.
The onus is on us all to build new councils in our places that support our communities even more effectively.
A parallel challenge exists for sector bodies such as the District Councils’ Network (DCN). We’re proud of our work supporting our members, but with district councils – like county councils – due to disappear, we need to radically adapt as our member councils change.
We are rethinking our offer to reflect the needs of an all-unitary English local government. This is an opportunity to devise an even better system of sector support that helps councils and their communities through the challenges of the coming decades. We’re up for the mission!
Some may ask ‘why DCN?’ The trust, insight and political neutrality that are the cornerstones of DCN’s approach remain as relevant as ever in the new landscape.
The practical support that we offer has never been more valued by our members than during the process of local government reorganisation – it will be equally essential for new unitary authorities.
Councils, whether district or unitary, may be distinct, sovereign organisations, but they operate best when they share expertise with peers, including through bodies such as the DCN.
Councils need support as they navigate devolution, seek to reform public services, and transform both themselves and their places.
Our aim is to be councils’ trusted transformation partner – the home of shared learning and advice. We are enthusiastic proponents of transformation and possess an innate optimism about what it can achieve.
While new unitary councils will be bigger than existing districts, the concept and value of place must remain integral to local government.
It’s our role to articulate, defend and help modernise the role of councils, the democratic leaders of place. Devolution will fail if it’s just about strategic authorities or mayors, neither of which have localised footprints.
Strong empowered councils are essential. Our role is to help give councils the confidence to operate alongside mayors, strategic authorities and central government in the new landscape.
We intend to carry forward DCN’s policy and advocacy work, which brings results.
There was a strong example of this at the end of January, when the Government agreed to implement a measure on which we’ve long lobbied – to reduce the red tape thwarting council housebuilding.
DCN has led the campaign to raise the threshold at which councils must set up a housing revenue account from 200 to 1,000 homes. Our success has the potential to bring about thousands of new homes for those who need them most.
I’m proud of what DCN has achieved for our members. A new version of our organisation can achieve even more in future.
We’re keen to work with new councils, to support them and share expertise and wisdom as we face unprecedented levels of change together.
Together, we’re stronger. At times of change, the need for strength has never been greater.
- See the District Councils’ Network’s website for more information.