Research and analysis

This report outlines Grant Thornton’s Levelling‑Up Index and summarises discussions held with county leaders at the County Councils Network’s (CCN) Annual Conference in late 2021.

This publication is the first-ever in the County Spotlight series, and shines a light on how County Councils Network (CCN) member authorities are leading economic recovery efforts following the disruption caused by the Covid‑19 pandemic.

This report from Catriona Riddell Associates sets out the case for reforming the planning system in England and to re-introduce strategic planning.

This report sets out emerging findings from joint work by the County Councils Network (CCN) and Newton on the future of children’s social care in England.

This Dialogues report captures insights from a joint County Councils Network (CCN) and CCLA roundtable, exploring how collaboration and responsible spending can accelerate local government action on climate change.

This report shows that poor digital connectivity disproportionately affects rural and county communities, contributing to weaker economic performance, barriers to home‑working and job‑seeking, and greater social isolation.

Our report highlights how county authorities are delivering practical, place‑based climate action, whilst setting out the challenges faced specifically by county councils and unitary councils.

This report sets out a detailed assessment of the pressures facing adult social care in county and rural areas, highlighting demographic challenges, rising demand, higher delivery costs and significant funding shortfalls.