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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.