Truth about Local Government

In this episode we sit down with Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, to explore the borough’s bold regeneration plans, recent service improvements, and the challenges of modern civic leadership. Arooj shares her personal journey into politics, the values driving her leadership, and how Oldham is tackling identity politics, financial pressures, and community cohesion head-on. Listeners...

In this episode we sit down with Cllr Danielle Belton, Leader of Rochford District Council, to explore the exciting initiatives shaping the district’s future and the challenges that come with them. From town centre regeneration and community empowerment to resisting unsustainable housing pressures, Danielle shares her vision for a member-led, transparent administration. We discuss the council’s ne...

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest challenges in organisational development: how to ensure that learning actually leads to behaviour change. We’re joined again by Kevan Collier , Strategic Learning and Organisational Development Lead at North West Employers, to explore how the COM-B model which stands for Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation – Behaviour can be used as a powerful f...

In this episode we interview Cllr Millie Earl , Leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council , to explore how local leadership is navigating financial adversity, driving regeneration, and empowering communities. Cllr Earl discusses the council’s strategic vision, including place-based regeneration, community governance reform, and the challenges posed by a significant SEND deficit...

In this episode we speak with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to explore the reality behind the government’s rhetoric on locally-led economic growth. With devolution deals, investment zones, and levelling-up funding all pointing to a place-based approach, are councils truly equipped financially, structurally, and strategically to deliver? Joe shares insights from Localis research, highligh...

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government , we sit down with Cllr John Merry CBE , Chair of Key Cities and Deputy City Mayor of Salford , to explore the pivotal role cities can play in meeting the UK Government’s ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes by the end of this Parliament. As part of our ongoing research project, Turbocharging Housebuilding in Cities and Urban Areas...

In this episode, Matthew Masters is joined by Cathy Palmer, Director of Regeneration Delivery at Walker Sime, to explore the critical ingredients that determine whether a masterplan succeeds or fails. With a career spanning both local government and consultancy, Cathy brings a rare dual perspective to the conversation. Her work at Walker Sime, particularly through the Regen Delivery service, focus...

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Ryder, the Executive Director of Communities at Warwickshire County Council, to discuss the successful delivery of three new train stations in the region. Mark shares the challenges and triumphs of these major infrastructure projects, offering valuable advice for other local authorities looking to undertake similar initiatives. From planning and funding to co...

In this episode, we interview Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities , at Warwickshire County Council to delve into the creation and impact of the Warwickshire Skills Hub . This dedicated space supports businesses, schools, and communities in developing a well-skilled population that meets the evolving needs of the local economy. Mark discusses the objectives, vision, and tailored support...

In this inaugural episode, we explore how local government leaders can harness the power of data, evidence, and insights to better manage and motivate their teams. Our guest, Kevan Collier , Strategic Learning and Organisational Development Lead at North West Employers, shares his expertise on using people analytics to drive performance, foster engagement, and build a culture of continuous improve...

In this episode we are joined by Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to unpack the political and policy implications of Angela Rayner’s departure and Steve Reed’s appointment as Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. What does this reshuffle signal for Labour’s approach to local government? Joe and Matthew explore the potential impact on key issues including: Loca...

In this episode we speak with John Angus , Managing Director at Switch , to explore practical and scalable solutions to the UK’s temporary accommodation crisis. Drawing on Switch’s unique model, rooted in hospitality and dignity, John shares how his team is transforming the way councils house vulnerable residents, offering safe, compliant, and community-oriented alternatives to traditional B&B...

In this episode we interviewed Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to unpack the narrative around planning reform and UK economic growth. The government has positioned planning as the bottleneck to housing delivery — but is reforming the system enough to unlock the scale of development needed? Joe brings a research-led perspective to the debate, exploring the deeper structural issues, the role...

In this episode, Matthew Masters speaks with Colin Galletly about the evolving role of property in local government. Colin challenges the notion that property sits in a silo, advocating instead for a cross-cutting, problem-solving approach that brings commercial acumen into the heart of public service. From unlocking value for money to navigating political and operational complexity, this conversa...

In this episode of Foundations of Change , we speak with Sophie Baker, Programme Delivery Manager for the innovative Prisoners Building Homes initiative. This ground breaking programme brings together local authorities, housebuilders, and prisoners to tackle the housing crisis while offering meaningful rehabilitation and skills development. Sophie shares how the programme works, the impact it’s ha...

In this thought-provoking episode we speak with Steve Jorden, Chief Executive of Havant Borough Council, as he prepares to retire after more than 40 years of distinguished service. With a career spanning decades of transformation in the sector, Steve offers a timely and personal perspective on one of local government’s most pressing challenges: attracting talent from the Commonwealth and internati...

In this episode, Matt Masters sits down with Richard Cressey , Director of Policy and Strategy at Westminster City Council, to explore the often underappreciated but critical role of policy in local government. Together, they unpack why policy is the bedrock of effective administration, how it shapes the delivery of services, and what it takes to support policy professionals in driving meaningful...

In this episode we sit down with Graham Nelson , an experienced senior executive in local government and a Chartered Town Planner, to explore the critical role of planning policy and strategic planning in shaping communities. From local plans to regional growth strategies, Graham shares insights on how planning can drive sustainable development, balance competing interests, and respond to national...

In this episode we speak with Callum Glendinning, Reading Development Consultant at Daisy Education, to explore the societal impact of reading beyond the classroom. We unpack how literacy shapes communities, the current challenges and opportunities in school reading provision, and the barriers that prevent pupils from accessing the written word. Callum shares insights into how Reading Plus is help...

In this episode, Matthew Masters is joined by Andy Algar to explore the three critical ingredients for crafting a successful vision that leads to real development outcomes. From navigating political realities to building lasting partnerships, Andy shares practical insights drawn from years of experience in local government and regeneration. Together, they unpack: How to align vision with political...

In this episode of Truth About Local Government , Becky Louise interviews Matt Masters to unpack a crucial question: what makes a truly effective interim leader in local government? Drawing on real-world experience and sharp observation, Matt outlines the essential traits that separate high-performing interims from the rest. From navigating political complexity to delivering results at pace, this...

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government , I sit down with Keith Burge veteran economic strategist and place-based development expert to unpack the complex machinery behind local economic development in the UK. We explore how national ambitions are translated into meaningful local outcomes, drawing on Keith’s extensive experience in regions like Tees Valley, West of England, and North T...

In this episode, Matthew Masters is joined again by Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to explore two of their latest publications: "New Stable" , which examines how reforming the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) could unlock billions for affordable housing, and "Generating Hope" , which looks at the Local Power Plan within GB Energy and the role of local authorities in driving clean en...

In this powerful episode of The Truth About Local Government , we sit down with Claire Donovan , Director at End Furniture Poverty, and Ian Rice , Service Manager for Financial Support at North Tyneside Council, to uncover the hidden crisis of furniture poverty a growing issue affecting thousands of residents across the UK. We explore the scale and impact of furniture poverty on individuals and fa...

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government , we speak with Owen Jenkins, Executive Director for Place at Surrey County Council . As infrastructure costs continue to rise, local authorities face mounting pressure to deliver essential services while balancing fiscal responsibility and climate commitments. Owen shares insights into the financial, logistical, and environmental challenges of m...