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, highlighting the gaps between ambition and capability, and offers a candid assessment of what needs to change for local government to become a genuine engine of national prosperity.