The County Councils Network

[edit] A brief introduction to the County Councils Network (CNN)

The County Councils Network (CNN) is a cross-party special interest group of the Local Government Association, representing England’s county local authorities.

Established in 1997, today in total, the 37 county and unitary authorities that make up the CCN are England’s largest grouping of councils, with their 2,600 councillors representing some 26 million people, and covering 86% of the country’s landmass. Collectively, they are responsible for 38% of England's GVA, almost half the country’s entire spend on children’s and adult social care, and maintain 70% of local roads.

[edit] Governance of CNN

CCN is a member-led organisation, and works on an inclusive and all party basis from a small base in Westminster. CCN recognises that member authorities must have the right to respond to their communities in different ways and seeks to make representations to government which can be supported by all member authorities. CCN is a Special Interest group (SIG) of the LGA. Each of the member authorities nominates up to four elected members to serve on the CCN Council.

[edit] Influence of CNN

CCN is one of the most influential organisation in local government, both nationally and within Parliament, with its reports and advocacy influencing debates on the future of local services, with its work securing concessions from national governments. It is the only national voice for the county and largest unitary authorities in England, who represent the cities, towns, rural, and coastal communities that make up the areas, providing a significant counterbalance to the organisations representing London and metropolitan areas. Its evidence-based research, advocacy, media, and public affairs work has secured significant policy concessions and additional funding for members, while actively shaping key government agendas; from economic growth, levelling up and devolution, to local government finance, adult social care, and children’s services.

[edit] CNN Policy & Research

CCN commissions and produces research reports as a key strand of its advocacy and policy-making work, putting forward a strong evidence base to address the challenges and opportunities for counties. In 2022/23 it produced more publications than ever before (27) across a wider range of policy areas, which have collectively been downloaded almost 20,000 times. CCN works with some of the most respected and influential consultancies and research agencies.

[edit] CNN Support services

Alongside assisting with members’ self-determination, CCN shares best practice and policy to support its councils and wider public sector partners, and produces guides for councillors and local authorities. CCN’s regular councillor meetings provide the platform for councillors to discuss key issues with Ministers, while shaping their shared advocacy. Alongside dedicated support to the Association of County Chief Executives, CCN has four policy specific officer groups, providing senior officers in the member councils access to policy makers and national influencers.

[edit] CNN and Public Affairs

CCN acts as the gateway to Whitehall for member councils. CCN has direct access to key influencers across Whitehall, with regular meetings and correspondence with Ministers and Officials, while working with policymakers across the sector and engaging Members of Parliament. CCN provides the secretariat to the County All Party-Parliamentary Group which aims to raise the awareness of county issues and opportunities, and has produced a host of influential and significant reports.

For more detailed information about the County Councils Network (CNN) and recent news and publications visit https://www.countycouncilsnetwork.org.uk/