Truth about Local Government

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...

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...