What we do
Our work
Our work seeks to influence policy on the major agendas facing county-based upper-tier councils in England.
As one of the most promiment orgsaniations representing upper-tier councils in England, the County Councils Network (CCN) is a significant counterbalance to urban-focused and city-centric local government policy, whilst publishing research on issues that impact all of local government. We work on a cross-party basis.
Our organisation provides our 39 member councils with a gateway to Whitehall and Parliament and we speak on their behalf in the national media. Alongside our advocacy and research, we offer a platform for our councils to share common challenges and best practice, while representing their unique interests within the Local Government Association.
We have developed a wealth of research and analysis, aimed at making counties even better places. But our support to councils stretches well beyond this: from analysing and developing policy, engaging policymakers and politicans in Parliament, to bringing councillors and senior officers together from across our members to share ideas and innovation. Read more below on our full range of support.
As we look ahead, we are determined to do more than ever to support all our members, both now and in the future, as the sector adapts and changes.
Learn more about CCN's work
Download our resource for councillors below, along with a copy of our business plan for this financial year.
Our councillor guide acts as a short and concise introduction to the County Councils Network: who we are, how we work, and the support we provide.
Our business plan goes in-depth as to the work we've got planned this year - and how we intend to represent county councils and unitary councils on the national stage.
Our impact
Our support
We combine advocacy, research, communications and council engagement to ensure county and non-metropolitan unitary councils have the influence, evidence and support they need to shape government reforms - and deliver effectively for their communities.
CCN commissions and produces original, high-profile and impactful research to strengthen its advocacy and support its councils:
- Independent and original research reports
- Internal data modelling and financial analysis
- Collaborative projects with member councils
This evidence aims to influence national debate whilst equipping councils with analysis to support their local decisions.
CCN acts as the collective voice of its members in Whitehall, Parliament and across the wider local government sector:
- Representing our members' interests on major reforms including local government finance, social care, SEND, planning, devolution and transport.
- Responses to consultations and legislation that affect councils.
- Engagement with ministers, senior civil servants and MPs.
- On-the-day responses for councils and campaigning to influence national policymaking.
CCN aims to ensure that the voice of county councils and unitary councils are influential in national debates by:
- Securing national, local and trade media coverage for major reports and issues.
- Providing insightful and hard-hitting on-the-day responses to new policy announcements.
- Having a notable and varied social media presence.
- Working with CCN councils to ensure their voices are heard in broadcast and radio.
- Devising relevant and impactful campaigns to amplify both councils’ challenges and good practice.
CCN provides practical support to councils through:
- Dedicated senior officer groups and spokespeople networks.
- Policy briefings and technical updates.
- Regular meetings with council leaders, chief executives and cabinet members.
- Sharing intelligence from Whitehall and across the sector and facilitating best practice exchange between councils.
- Supporting councils individually by advising on key reform programmes.
- Hosting regular events and webinars, alongside the CCN Annual Conference.
Our councils
We are the natural home for county and unitary authorities, representing 39 county councils and unitary councils from across England.
Events
Find out about CCN's upcoming events, from our flagship Annual Conference to our regular meetings, webinars and networking receptions.
Contact us
Get the contact details for the County Councils Network, including our press spokesperson.