The latest prospectus unveiled by the District Councils’ Network (DCN) outlines how district councils can collaborate effectively with the next Government. The document, titled "Closer to Communities: The district council prospectus for transforming local places," details the extensive potential of district councils to foster positive change across England.

District councils, as England’s most localised principal authorities, have a unique advantage in transforming the lives of the 19 million people they serve. This unrivalled proximity to communities provides them with an intimate, street-by-street understanding of local places and the people who live and work in them. This local knowledge, combined with their powers over housing, economic development, the environment, wellbeing, and welfare, positions district councils as pivotal agents of change.

The prospectus emphasises the significant track record of district councils in supporting residents, especially during emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Their ability to act swiftly and flexibly has proven essential in times of need.

Key Proposals in the Prospectus:

1. Building More Homes and Reducing Homelessness: Leveraging planning and economic development powers to accelerate housing delivery and implement innovative models to prevent homelessness.
2. Reducing Pressure on the NHS and Improving Public Health: Focusing on preventative services and early intervention to enhance health outcomes and alleviate the burden on NHS services.
3. Delivering Jobs and Sustainable, Inclusive Growth: Utilising close links with local businesses and economic development expertise to create jobs and tackle economic inequality.
4. Cutting Carbon Emissions, Tackling Fuel Poverty, and Growing the Green Economy: Implementing locally tailored waste reduction and recycling initiatives, and driving the retrofit of homes to lift residents out of fuel poverty.
5. Ensuring Investment Transforms Local Places: Strategically directing investments to regenerate high streets, town centres, and other local areas, thereby restoring local pride and reducing antisocial behaviour.

DCN's message to the Government is clear: “We want to drive change locally in genuine collaboration with central government based on mutual trust. We want to be your partner in reimagining public services from the bottom up and rooting them in real places. We want you to empower us with much greater autonomy to deliver excellent services for the people we jointly serve and make quick, tangible progress on national priorities.”

Read the full prospectus HERE.