Truth about Local Government

“Risk, Creativity and Collaboration: Rethinking Urban Infrastructure with CIVIC” dives into how engineering can become a catalyst for better, more human‑centred places. Matt Masters sits down with Stephen O’Malley, Chief Executive of CIVIC, to explore how their philosophy of “civility from civil engineering” challenges long‑held conventions in the built environment. In just 20 minutes, Stephen unp...

For years, the national housing debate has been dominated by one metric: quantity. How many homes can we build, how quickly, and at what scale. But that fixation on numbers has pushed a more fundamental question into the background, are the homes we build, manage, and retrofit actually good for people’s health? In this episode, Matt Masters is joined by Faye Sanders, Doctoral Researcher in Housing...

Too many people step into elected office without a clear understanding of what the councillor role really involves, the workload, the emotional labour, the strategic responsibility, and the sheer breadth of services they’ll be accountable for. In this episode Matt sits down with sector leader, trainer, mentor, and long‑serving Kingston councillor Liz Green to explore her 3S model, Stewardship, Str...

In this episode, the conversation centres on how RPNA is helping councils move beyond traditional transformation pitfalls to deliver better outcomes for residents. Ashley Roper introduces RPNA’s Digital Foundations , a strategic assessment tool designed to help local authorities understand their readiness for change and identify the most impactful areas for intervention. The SA3 process was recent...

Matt Masters sits down with Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council , for an in‑depth conversation about Surrey’s transformation journey and what it means to lead one of the country’s most complex local government systems. With Surrey often viewed as the first major test case for large‑scale reorganisation, Tim reflects on the pressures, opportunities, and leadership choices shaping the counci...

Nottinghamshire County Council has become one of the sector’s standout examples of what a modern, strategic corporate landlord approach can achieve. In this episode, Matt Masters sits down with Wayne Bexton, Director of Economy, Environment and Assets , to unpack how Nottinghamshire has reshaped its estate, accelerated disposals, unlocked capital receipts, and used regeneration as a lever for long...

Care in the UK is at a breaking point. With 70% of local authority budgets consumed by care services, rising costs, and profits flowing to private equity and tax havens, the system is failing the people it’s meant to serve. New research from the Centre for Local Economic Strategies, Centre for Thriving Places, Cooperatives UK and the New Economics Foundation reveals that in just three regions, pri...

In this episode, we tackle a critical but often overlooked aspect of change management in local government: the human element. We’re joined once again by Kevan Collier , Strategic Learning and Organisational Development Lead at North West Employers, to explore how senior leadership teams can better understand the behavioural dynamics that make or break change programmes. We discuss why technical p...

Surrey is about to become the national test case for the government’s latest wave of local government reform, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With two new unitary authorities on the horizon, concerns are growing that statutory pressures and inherited financial challenges could push community services, local assets, and neighbourhood-level engagement to the margins. In this episode, we explore S...

This month’s deep dive into local government reorganisation brings a timely and candid conversation with Rowan Cole, Director at Coal Face Engagement , as we unpack the shifting landscape of LGR and what the latest developments really mean for councils, leaders, and local politics. Rowan joins me to break down what has changed , why the Government has delayed elections , and how this fits with the...

In this episode of Truth About Local Government , we dive into how the London Borough of Newham is turning its Growth Plan into reality. With a strong focus on inclusive economy , community wealth building , and strategic investment , Newham is shaping a future where growth benefits everyone. Joining me is Darren Mackin , Director of Place-Making at the London Borough of Newham, to share what the...

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) isn’t just about drawing new boundaries it’s about what happens in the first 100 days when governance design, delegation, and political confidence collide with real-world planning decisions. In this episode, we talk to Rowan Cole , Thought Leader on LGR & Founder and Director of COALFACE , about what truly determines whether reorganisation improves plannin...

In this episode of Truth About Local Government , I sit down with Averil Price author of The Legacy Coach: Your Next Chapter, Your Legacy, Your Way , available on Amazon. After more than two decades as a Local Authority Director, Averil made the bold transition to running her own consultancy, Avie Consultancy, where she helps public sector leaders navigate career changes, promotions, or retirement...

In this episode of Truth About Local Government , Matthew Masters speaks with Professor Rafaela Neiva , Professor in Public Sociology at Liverpool Business School and a leading expert in cultural policy and social innovation. Rafaela’s work sits at the intersection of arts, health, and business, shaping strategies that have influenced European Capitals of Culture, improved public health, and drive...

Transformation in local government is often framed as a necessity driven by financial pressures, rising demand, and the need to modernise services. Yet, despite widespread efforts, success remains elusive. According to ChangingPoint, 70% of organisational change initiatives fail , and only one-third fully meet their intended goals . In this episode, Ashley Roper and Steve Mawn explore what council...

In this we had the pleasure of speaking with Emma Riley, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Barrett Values Centre, to explore the transformative power of organisational culture. Emma shares insights from her work at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and values, highlighting how culture can be a driving force in successful change processes. The conversation delves into the Barrett Values Cen...

In this episode of Truth About Local Government , Matt Masters sits down with Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, to explore the city’s ambitious plans for infrastructure, regeneration, and inclusive growth. Mike shares his personal journey into politics, the values that guide his leadership, and the council’s vision for a “cleaner, safer and fairer” Hull. Listeners will hear about:...

Transformation is often seen as the fix for inefficiencies and budget pressures in local government, but many programmes fail to deliver lasting change. In this episode, Claire Symonds, Ashley Roper, and Meena Kishinani explore why. Claire Symonds (ex-Redbridge CEO) argues that transformation must be a continuous mindset, not a time-limited project. She highlights how vital leadership is in succes...

In this episode we sit down with Alexander Mileman , Founder of Achieving for Action to explore the transformative potential of the Social Care Value Index project. They discuss how local authorities are sitting on a goldmine of data that could radically improve outcomes in social care if only it were used more effectively. From identifying what truly works to exposing inefficiencies, this convers...

In this episode, we speak with Councillor Cameron Holloway, the Leader of Cambridge City Council, about the exciting developments and pressing challenges facing one of the UK’s most iconic cities. From government-backed growth ambitions to acute infrastructure constraints, Holloway shares his vision for a fairer, greener Cambridge. We explore how the council is tackling poverty, protecting the env...

This special crossover episode features Matt Masters , host of The Truth About Local Government , in conversation with Kirsty Hunt , host of Governance Matters a podcast produced by South East Employers that explores the building blocks of good governance in local government. In Season 2, Episode 5 , Matt interviews Kirsty to unpack the concept of incremental creep the slow, often unnoticed erosio...

In this energising episode of The Truth About Local Government , Matthew Masters speaks with Jonathan Stephenson, Chief Executive of Brentwood Borough and Rochford District Councils, and the driving force behind the Public Sector Challenge. Together, they explore: The origins and evolution of the Public Sector Challenge as a movement for wellbeing, resilience and connection. Lessons from merging t...

In this episode, Matthew Masters sits down with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to discuss Ride the Wave a major new project supported by CIPFA and Core Cities . The report explores how local authorities can balance the government’s push for locally led growth with the need for fiscal responsibility , especially in the context of urban renewal and investment risk. Joe also shares a preview...

In this episode, we had the privilege of interviewing Hannah Dalton , Independent Councillor and Leader of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, to explore the unique and often underappreciated role of independent councillors in the UK’s local government system. They discuss the challenges of operating outside party politics, the opportunities for community-led decision-making, and how independents can...

In this episode, we speak with Sara Harrup , Executive Coach for Neurodivergent Professionals, Board Chair, Non-Executive Director, and Inclusive Governance Expert. As an openly autistic ADHDer, Sara brings lived experience and professional insight into how neurodivergent leaders can thrive in high-pressure environments. We explore her coaching practice, her governance work, and her advocacy for n...