Truth about Local Government

Matt Masters

Where Local Government Professionals Learn and Develop.

https://www.truthaboutlocalgovernment.com/

#YourGrowth #YourImpact #OurPassion.

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353 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes353

Newest first

Aug 28, 2025 · 16 min
Beyond the Books: Why Reading Matters to Society and What Schools Need Now
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 helping schools overcome these hurdles and addresses the common concern about screen time in education. Whether you're a councillor thinking about long-term community outcomes or a school leader looking for practical support, this conversation connects the dots between policy, pedagogy, and progress.
Aug 27, 2025 · 19 min
Vision That Delivers: Andy Algar on Making Development Happen
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 and organisational priorities Why stakeholder engagement must go beyond the statutory minimum What it takes to build partnerships that survive economic and political cycles This is a must-listen for anyone involved in shaping places, delivering regeneration, or leading strategic planning in the public sector.
Aug 13, 2025 · 19 min
What Makes a Great Interim? The Core Characteristics of High-Impact Leaders in Local Government
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 conversation explores the mindset, behaviours, and values that define the best interim professionals. Whether you're hiring, working alongside, or considering becoming an interim yourself, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at what excellence really looks like in these pivotal roles.
Aug 12, 2025 · 18 min
From Strategy to Street Level: Translating Central Ambitions into Local Economic Impact
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 Tyne. From evaluating employability projects and appraising funding bids to crafting local economic strategies and impact assessments, Keith shares insights into what makes local plans effective and what often gets lost in translation. Topics include: How combined authorities assess funding bids for strategic alignment The role of impact assessments in job creation, employability, and environmental outcomes Lessons from evaluating major programmes like the Tees Valley Festival Writing local economic strategies sometimes ahead of national policy Collaborating with local authorities, universities, NHS, and other key partners Whether you're a policymaker, practitioner, or just curious about how public money is turned into local progress, this episode offers a grounded, expert view on what works and what doesn’t in place-based economic development.
Aug 12, 2025 · 20 min
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.
Aug 8, 2025 · 20 min
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.
Aug 8, 2025 · 22 min
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.
Aug 6, 2025 · 18 min
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?
Jul 30, 2025 · 18 min
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.
Jul 30, 2025 · 18 min
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.
Jul 30, 2025 · 18 min
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.
Jul 28, 2025 · 19 min
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.
Jul 24, 2025 · 19 min
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.
Jul 23, 2025 · 21 min
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.
Jul 23, 2025 · 20 min
Power, Place & Purpose: JP Spencer on Devolution, Mayors, and Rebalancing Britain
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 for local government could shift the balance of power across the country. Whether you're a council leader, policy thinker, or simply passionate about the future of local democracy this conversation offers sharp insights and bold ideas for what comes next.
Jul 22, 2025 · 19 min
Beyond Safe and Legal: Rethinking Local Government Reorganisation
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, arguing that simply replicating old systems in new structures is like rearranging deck chairs on a sinking ship. Instead, we must ask: Why are we doing this? And more importantly, how can we do it better? Together, they explore: The real purpose behind LGR and why “because central government said so” isn’t enough. How to seize the blank page moment to deliver better services, stronger democracy, and financial sustainability. What true transformation looks like and the barriers we must overcome to get there.
Jul 21, 2025 · 21 min
The Cost of Cuts, The Power of Innovation: A Council Leader’s Response to Crisis
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 London boroughs. Amid these challenges, the Council has launched a groundbreaking £100 million initiative to use pension fund investment to purchase up to 250 homes for homeless families an unprecedented move in the UK. We explore how this bold strategy not only addresses the homelessness crisis but also redefines how councils can use their resources to deliver long-term social impact.
Jul 21, 2025 · 20 min
More Than a Tick Box: Rethinking Corporate Responsibility
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 conversation offers valuable guidance for leaders looking to make CR meaningful and impactful. Whether you're in the public or private sector, this episode will challenge your assumptions and inspire a more purposeful approach to responsibility.
Jul 17, 2025 · 21 min
From Policy to Practice: Devolution, LGR, and the Future of Public Services
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 devolution can empower communities—or risk fragmentation—depending on how it’s implemented. Paul also discusses the importance of workforce voice, equal pay, and democratic accountability in shaping a fairer, more resilient public sector.
Jul 15, 2025 · 20 min
Inside the Planning Fix: Harborough’s Strategy to Attract Talent
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 team from the ground up. David shares the council’s strategic approach, the cultural shifts that made it possible, and the practical steps that led to long-term success. Whether you're a council leader, HR professional, or just curious about how local government can innovate, this episode offers valuable insights and replicable lessons.