Truth about Local Government

Truth about Local Government

by Matt Masters

Power and Prosperity: Local Investment for Housing and Energy Futures

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 energy transformation. Together, they unpack how local government can be empowered to lead on two of the UK’s most pressing challenges, housing and energy, through strategic investment, public-private partnerships, and systemic reform.

Furnishing Futures: Tackling Furniture Poverty Through Local Government Action

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 families, particularly its profound effects on health and wellbeing, and why public health teams are increasingly involved in addressing it. Claire and Ian share insights into the economic and social benefits of furniture provision, including reduced rental arrears, improved tenancy sustainability, and decreased void costs. We also dive into the Furniture Flex service a practical, scalable solution that’s already delivering results and discuss the findings of a cost-benefit analysis that shows how investing in furniture provision can lead to significant savings across the public sector. Whether you're a policymaker, housing officer, or simply passionate about social justice, this episode offers a compelling case for why furniture is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Building the Future: Tackling Infrastructure Costs in Major Developments

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 major developments and how councils like Surrey are working to overcome them.

Beyond Growth: Rethinking Health, Wealth and 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 local government leaders and policymakers: how can councils reframe their goals, shift priorities, and build healthier, fairer communities without relying on endless economic expansion?

The Interim Edge: Staying Relevant in Local Government

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 remain indispensable by aligning with strategic priorities, embracing continuous learning, and building trust quickly in complex environments. Olivia and Matt also reflect on the broader value interims bring to a sector under pressure to deliver more with less. Whether you're an interim, a hiring manager, or simply curious about the future of local government leadership, this episode offers practical insights and a compelling case for why relevance isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Unlocking Local Potential – Skills Reform and Systemic Change

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 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) into councils are reshaping the landscape of local service delivery. He also highlights the untapped power of procurement as a tool for driving social value and aligning local spending with strategic goals. Packed with insights, case studies, and a forward-looking vision, this episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of local governance, economic inclusion, and public service reform.

The Power of Storytelling in Local Politics: A Conversation with Cllr Gavin Callaghan

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, investment, and long-term buy-in from residents, partners, and stakeholders. We’ll discuss the evolving role of local government leaders as communicators, the importance of narrative in shaping public perception, and how councils can better position themselves in a crowded and often noisy political landscape.

Unlocking Value: Leveraging Public Estates to Tackle Debt in Local Government Reorganisation

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 rationalising assets to innovative financing models, Charles shares practical insights and real-world examples of how property can be a powerful lever for financial resilience especially in the context of upcoming local government reorganisation. Whether you're a finance lead, estates manager, or senior decision-maker, this conversation offers timely strategies for navigating change with confidence.

Setting Ambition in Local Government Reorganisation: A Conversation with Jon Ainger

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 of behavioural science, the EDGEWORK methodology, and what it takes to build resilient, future-ready public services.

Smarter Outcomes: Rethinking Value in Local Government

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 partnerships that are reshaping how services are designed and delivered. We’ll unpack what “value” really means in the public sector, and how leaders can shift from cost-cutting to outcome-focused investment.

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