District Councils’ Network renamed ‘Local Councils Network’

The new organisation was launched last week by LCN’s Chair, Cllr Richard Wright, who said the move "presents a unique opportunity to build something new".

The LCN will remain a cross-party membership organisation for councils and a special interest group within the Local Government Association (LGA).

A prospectus for the new body was published on Thursday, setting out its aims, which include speaking up for councils and shaping government policy; providing practical support for councils; helping peers connect through networks, events and webinars; and producing data-led insight, sharing knowledge, experience and best practice.

Cllr Wright added: "We can stand up for more of local government, more powerfully, at a time of unprecedented and rapid change.

“Some things won’t change. We’ll retain our passion for genuinely local government and our unwavering support for our councils – new and existing unitary councils, and district councils for as long as they exist. We’re passionate about local government, we’re serious about empowering local leaders and we’re optimistic for the future."

The organisation dates back to the 1970s, when a previous round of local government reorganisation created district and county councils.

Established in April 1974, the organisation was initially known as the Association of District Councils (ADC). The ADC later merged with other local authority organisations to form the Local Government Association (LGA) in the 1990s.

The District Councils' Network was then formed as a special interest group of the LGA to give district councils a distinct voice.

Adam Carey