In our festive edition of the Star Chamber Podcast, Michael and Marcus explore the Chancellor’s Budget, considering whether it maintains the spirit of devolution, or whether it delivers something more centralistic.

We then take to time to reflect on the year of 2025 for the local government sector – a year in which councils have faced extraordinary pressures, profound uncertainty and yet remarkable resilience. From SEND, LGR and EFS to new ministers, new towns and new financial realities, we reflect on the defining themes that shaped the sector.

And we indulge in a Christmas set of idiosyncrasies, from grand mayoral dinners, municipal Christmas trees and Christmas lights, and conclude with a Christmas ghost story which answers the curious question – why doesn’t the Leeds Town Hall clock chime at midnight?