Truth about Local Government

18:55

Temporary Doesn’t Mean Second-Class: Rethinking...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/09/16

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&Bs and fragmented housing stock.From converting hotels into high-standard temporary homes to building

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19:18

Planning: Is It Really the Problem? Rethinking Growth...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/09/16

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 of local authorities, and what truly drives sustainable growth. This episode challenges conventional

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20:39

Property Without Borders: Commercial Thinking in the...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/09/10

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 conversation explores how local authorities can think differently about their estates, assets, and strategic

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17:25

Foundations of Change: Building Homes, Building Futures

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/09/09

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 having, and what local councils can do to support and scale this model. We explore the intersection of

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17:28

The World at Our Doorstep: Rethinking Recruitment in...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/08/31

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 internationally.Together, they explore how councils can open their doors to global expertise, the structural and

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19:36

Policy as the Powerhouse: Why Local Government Runs...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/08/29

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 change.From navigating political complexity to aligning strategy with community needs, this conversation

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20:51

Planning for Place: Strategic Vision and Policy in...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/08/29

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 reform agendas. The conversation also touches on leadership in planning services, the evolving role of

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16:12

Beyond the Books: Why Reading Matters to Society and...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/08/28

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

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19:41

Vision That Delivers: Andy Algar on Making...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/08/27

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 prioritiesWhy stakeholder engagement must go beyond the statutory minimumWhat it takes

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19:04

What Makes a Great Interim? The Core Characteristics...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/08/13

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

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18:55

From Strategy to Street Level: Translating Central...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/08/12

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

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20:12

Power and Prosperity: Local Investment for Housing...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/08/12

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

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20:24

Furnishing Futures: Tackling Furniture Poverty...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/08/08

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

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22:11

Building the Future: Tackling Infrastructure Costs in...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/08/08

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.

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18:59

Beyond Growth: Rethinking Health, Wealth and Local...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/08/06

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

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18:50

The Interim Edge: Staying Relevant in Local Government

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/30

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

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18:25

Unlocking Local Potential – Skills Reform and...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/30

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

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18:00

The Power of Storytelling in Local Politics: A...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/30

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

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19:42

Unlocking Value: Leveraging Public Estates to Tackle...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/28

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

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19:55

Setting Ambition in Local Government Reorganisation:...

Truth about Local Government ·

2025/07/24

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

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