Our World Is Local

In this episode of Our World is Local, hosts Heather Jameson and Nick Kilby, sit down with Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, to unpick the economic narrative emerging from central government — and ask the big question: is there a real plan for growth?

What follows is a candid, wide-ranging conversation that explores the intersection of national economic policy and local delivery. From the Treasury’s tricky fiscal position to the real-world implications of Rachel Reeves’ growth agenda, Paul brings clarity and challenge in equal measure.

This is a conversation for anyone in local government, policy, or public service who’s grappling with how national policy translates on the ground — and what local leaders need to drive meaningful change.

As ever, Paul makes the complex understandable — and reminds us that even in tight fiscal times, clarity of purpose and long-term commitment matter more than ever.

Please note, this episode was recording in January 2025.

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this episode of Our World is Local, we are joined by Dr Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, to explore the complexities of local government reorganisation and the creation of combined authorities. 

Drawing from his experience in Bedfordshire, the West Midlands, and now Oxfordshire, Martin shares insights on the challenges of restructuring, the role of leadership, and the opportunities for innovation. 

With councils facing budget pressures, political debates, and the need for transformation, how can local government adapt while keeping communities at its core?

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

This week's episode features special guest Mark Greenberg, a renowned lawyer with a rich history in local government, who shares his unique journey from council leader to legal troubleshooter. Together, they discuss critical issues like the upcoming finance settlement, the evolving role of local authority leaders, and the delicate dance of navigating governance challenges.

Learn how empathy, clear communication, and staying true to governance principles can guide local authorities through today’s complexities. And don’t miss Mark’s candid reflections on political dynamics, difficult decisions, and the resilience required to lead in turbulent times.

Tune in now for a mix of humor, insight, and actionable advice for local government professionals.

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this episode, we sit down with Adele Wylie, the dynamic Chief Executive of North Northamptonshire Council, to discuss her journey, challenges, and ambitions in local government. Marking a year in her leadership role, Adele reflects on the transition from monitoring officer to Chief Executive and shares her experiences navigating the complexities of leading a newly reorganized local authority.

Adele dives into the challenges of merging multiple councils into a single unitary authority, particularly in the wake of Northamptonshire’s financial struggles. She provides valuable insights into managing change, unifying teams, and building a strong organizational culture.

One of the standout discussions is Adele’s vision for the future. She introduces the “Big 50 Vision,” a bold plan to transform Northamptonshire by 2050, focusing on community outcomes and collaboration with partners. Adele also highlights exciting innovations in digital transformation, including AI and data-driven strategies to improve education, social care, and housing services.

Tune in to this inspiring episode to hear how Adele is reshaping local government and championing positive change in her community.

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this month’s episode of Our World is Local, hosts Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson dive into one of the most significant periods for local and national politics in recent memory. With fresh faces in local government, major announcements from the LGA conference, and a looming white paper on devolution and reorganisation, there's a lot to unpack! Tune in to hear their insights on what the future holds for local authorities and the evolving landscape of UK politics

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this episode, we welcome Matt Prosser, Chief Executive of Dorset Council and President of Solace, the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers. 

Matt shares insights from his six years leading Dorset Council, discussing the challenges and successes of creating a unitary authority, balancing financial pressures, and maintaining essential services. We also delve into local government reorganisation, devolution, and the evolving relationship between local authorities and central government. Additionally, Matt reflects on Solace’s role in supporting leadership across the sector, fostering talent, and navigating the future of public service leadership.

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this week's episode, hosts NIck Kilby and Heather Jameson are joined by Professor John Denham, former Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The trio discuss the priorities for an incoming government, focusing on the challenges faced by local authorities, including financial pressures and the need for a clear vision for local government in the future. Professor Denham shares insights on the importance of empowering local councils to shape public spending, reflecting on his experience with the "Total Place" initiative. They also delve into how central government can support local innovation and the shifting landscape of public trust in news and communication.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on local governance, public service transformation and much more.

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this episode of Our World is Local, hosts Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson are joined by Chief Executive of Knowsley Council, Mike Harden.

Back in June, Knowsley Council took home the prestigious 'Local Authority of the Year' award at the annual Municipal Journal Awards, and in this conversation Mike talks about Knowsley's success story, and his journey leading up to this point.

Mike’s career in local government spans almost 40 years, the last 28 of which have been at Knowsley Council.  He was appointed as Chief Executive in 2014 having previously held the role of Deputy Chief Executive and various Director level positions in Finance, Corporate Resources, and Regeneration and Economic Development. 

Mike will be retiring from his position at the end of 2024, and will be doing so on an incredibly high note! 

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this latest episode of 'Our World is Local', hosts Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson are joined by Sir Bob Neill, just a few weeks after the dissolution of parliament which brought an end to his 18-year stint as MP for Bromley and Chislehurst.

During this conversation, Sir Bob details his political journey which began 50 years ago when he first won election as a councillor in the London Borough of Havering, before becoming an MP and subsequently a Minister in the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government. 

This insightful conversation celebrates an illustrious career in central and local government, with many fascinating stories such as the time Sir Bob stood and won against now-Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Nigel Farage in the 2006 by-election which began his parliamentary journey.

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

With just under two weeks to go until the 2024 General Election, hosts Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson sat down for an Our World is Local election special episode, and were joined by Cratus Group's Director of London Planning, James Goldstone. 

James worked for the Labour Party as a London campaigns organiser, managing three General Elections and two Local Election campaigns across four London boroughs. 

In this episode, the trio discuss the policy pledges from Labour's manifesto, and what they could look to achieve over a full parliamentary term. 

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.