Truth about Local Government

In this episode of Beyond Growth , we speak with Rob Noonan from the University of Chester, whose recent work challenges the dominant economic narrative that growth is always good. Drawing on his 2024 publications, Rob explores how capitalism and the pursuit of extrinsic goals have contributed to poor public health, widening inequalities, and unsustainable futures. We discuss what this means for l...

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government , Olivia Treanor interviews Matt Masters to explore the evolving role of interim professionals and why staying relevant is critical in today’s local government landscape. Matt shares his perspective on what gives interims their edge, agility, fresh thinking, and the ability to drive change at pace. The conversation dives into how interims can rem...

In this episode, Matthew Masters speaks with Joe Fyans , Head of Research at Localis , about their latest report, Guarantee of Potential . The conversation explores how the UK can reform its skills system by adopting a whole systems approach integrating employment, health, education, and procurement at the local level. Joe explains how devolution , Integrated Care Systems , and the absorption of L...

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government , we’re joined by Cllr Gavin Callaghan , Leader of Basildon Council , to explore the idea that politics is the art of competitive storytelling . Gavin shares his perspective on how council leaders must become the most credible and up-to-date source of information in their communities and how that credibility can be translated into trust, investme...

As local government faces the twin pressures of financial constraint and structural reform, how can councils make smarter use of their property portfolios? In this episode, Matthew Masters sits down with Charles Maxlow-Tomlinson , a leading voice in public sector property asset strategy, to explore how local authorities can unlock the hidden value in their estates to manage and reduce debt. From r...

In this episode, we sit down with Jon Ainger, Executive Director at IMPOWER, to explore the bold ambitions that can and should be set when creating new organisations through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). With over two decades of experience in public service reform, Jon shares insights into how councils can move beyond structural change to deliver real transformation. We discuss the role o...

In this episode of Smarter Outcomes , we sit down with Jon Ainger, Executive Director at IMPOWER, to explore a transformative idea in public service delivery: achieving better outcomes at lower cost. With local governments facing increasing pressure to do more with less, Jon shares insights from IMPOWER’s work across the UK, highlighting innovative approaches, behavioural science, and strategic pa...

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government , I sit down with JP Spencer , Director of Devolution Policy at Labour Together , to explore the evolving landscape of devolution, mayoral leadership, and regional rebalancing in the UK. We unpack what meaningful devolution really looks like, the role of directly elected mayors in shaping local identity and accountability, and how Labour’s vision...

In this episode, Matthew Masters speaks with Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU, to unpack the deeper truths behind Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Too often, LGR is treated as a technical exercise, focused on safely and legally creating new councils. But what if we saw it as a rare opportunity to truly transform how local democracy works? Jonathan challenges the status quo, arguin...

In this episode, we sit down with Cllr Elizabeth Campbell , Leader of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, at a time when local government funding is under intense scrutiny. With councils across the country facing deep financial pressures Kensington and Chelsea among them Cllr Campbell has been a vocal critic of the Government’s proposed funding reforms, which she argues unfairly penalize...

In this episode, Matthew Masters sits down with Natasha Whiles to explore the real meaning of Corporate Responsibility (CR) and why it’s far more than a tick-box exercise. Natasha shares her insights on how CR has evolved, its unique role within local government, and the importance of embedding it into organisational culture. From common pitfalls to practical strategies for optimisation, this conv...

In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Bell , National Officer at UNISON and Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care at Lewisham Council. With a unique vantage point spanning national policy and local delivery, Paul shares insights into UNISON’s position on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and devolution , as outlined in the union’s 2025 Devolution Protocol Report . We explore how de...

In this episode we go behind the scenes with David Atkinson , Director of Planning and Regeneration at Harborough District Council , to explore how his team tackled one of local government’s toughest challenges: recruiting and retaining skilled planning professionals. While many councils continue to rely heavily on agency staff, Harborough has taken a different path—building a strong, permanent te...

In this episode, we’re joined by Charles Hamilton and Rachael Taylor from No Isolation , a pioneering company using technology to tackle loneliness and social isolation—especially among children who are unable to attend school due to long-term illness or other challenges. We explore how their innovative solutions, like the AV1 telepresence robot, are transforming the way children stay connected to...

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government , we sit down with Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, to explore one of the most pressing challenges facing local democracy today: how do we attract and retain new councillors—especially during times of local government reorganisation and devolution? As councils across the UK undergo structural changes and...

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government , we speak with Dr. Thomas Foreman , former Chief Executive and Town Clerk at Thorpe St Andrew Town Council and now a consultant supporting local government and regulators across England and Wales. With Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) reshaping the landscape, we explore the evolving role of Town and Parish Councils. Drawing on his frontline...

In this episode, we sit down with Anne-Marie Bond, Chief Executive of Torbay Council, and Jim Parker, Chair of the Torquay Place Leadership Board, to explore how a clear and compelling place narrative can drive successful regeneration. Discover the strategies behind Torbay’s approach, the role of leadership and collaboration, and the tangible impact on place-shaping aspirations.

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government , mental fitness coach Beth Carr explores how local government professionals can build resilience and emotional strength in demanding roles. Beth shares practical, science-backed techniques to help listeners manage stress, set healthy boundaries, and foster psychological safety in their teams. Through real-world examples and reflective insights,...

In this episode, we explore the critical role of governance in local authority trading companies (LATCOs). Host, Matt Masters sits down with Mark Beacom , Partner in the Board, Real Estate & Financial Officers Practices, to discuss: Why LATCOs need the right Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) How to recruit and structure effective boards The risks of poor governance What good governance looks like...

In this episode, the podcast explores how fractional leadership —where experienced professionals work part-time or on a project basis—can transform local government operations, especially in the built environment sector. David Goodwin discusses how councils and public sector bodies can benefit from accessing high-level expertise without the cost or commitment of full-time hires. Key themes likely...

In this episode, well-being strategist Beth Carr explores the nature of stress , how it’s measured, and how local government professionals can manage it more effectively. She explains the difference between acute and chronic stress, introduces both subjective and objective ways to measure it, and highlights the unique pressures faced in public service roles. Beth shares practical strategies—from m...

In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Murphy, Chief Executive of Collaborate CIC, to explore their newly finalised report for Test Valley on the case for community and neighbourhood approaches to Local Government Reorganisation. Rebecca shares insights into why this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset how local government operates—moving away from outdated New Public Management mode...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Alex Gee , Senior Consultant at CIPFA , to explore the critical role of commercial asset management during periods of local government reorganisation. As councils across the UK face structural changes, the effective management of commercial property portfolios becomes more important than ever. Alex shares practical advice for local government officers o...

In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of local government with two leading voices in the field: Aidan Rave , Partner at the Good Governance Institute , and Peter Ware , Partner and Head of Government Sector at Browne Jacobson . Together, we explore how local authorities can maintain strong governance during periods of significant transition—whether through local government reorgani...

In this episode, we sit down with Beth Carr, a renowned Mental Health and Wellbeing Coach, to explore the profound journey of embracing wellness. Beth shares her insights on why it's essential to dig beneath the surface to truly understand and achieve health. We discuss practical strategies to incorporate wellness into your daily routine, helping you unlock your full potential. Get ready to grab y...