Truth about Local Government

This month’s deep dive into local government reorganisation brings a timely and candid conversation with Rowan Cole, Director at Coal Face Engagement, as we unpack the shifting landscape of LGR and what the latest developments really mean for councils, leaders, and local politics.Rowan joins me to break down what has changed, why the Government has delayed elections, and how this fits with the ambitions originally set out for reorganisation. We explore the contrast between last year’s confident narrative and the more hesitant signals emerging since December, including which parts of the programme have quietly progressed and which have clearly stalled.We look closely at the election delay:What exactly has been pushed backWhere the delays are happeningThe official explanationAnd the real‑world consequences for councils trying to plan, budget, and lead through uncertaintyRowan offers grounded insight into what these delays say about confidence, pace, grip, and political alignment, and whether LGR still resembles a coherent, settled programme, or something more fluid and reactive.We close with a forward look at what to watch next, the decisions that will signal whether momentum is returning or further drift is ahead, and how councils can stay prepared in a period where clarity is in short supply.If you’re navigating LGR, advising on it, or simply trying to understand the shifting dynamics, this episode gives you the context, nuance, and practical read‑across you need.

In this episode of Truth About Local Government, we dive into how the London Borough of Newham is turning its Growth Plan into reality. With a strong focus on inclusive economy, community wealth building, and strategic investment, Newham is shaping a future where growth benefits everyone. Joining me is Darren Mackin, Director of Place-Making at the London Borough of Newham, to share what the council is doing on the ground to deliver this vision, the challenges they face, and how they’re engaging residents in the journey.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) isn’t just about drawing new boundaries it’s about what happens in the first 100 days when governance design, delegation, and political confidence collide with real-world planning decisions. In this episode, we talk to Rowan Cole, Thought Leader on LGR & Founder and Director of COALFACE, about what truly determines whether reorganisation improves planning outcomes. We’ll explore lessons from Dorset, Somerset, and Northumberland, the early warning signs of drift, and why public trust and democratic legitimacy become operational issues. Plus, we’ll dive into The First 100 Days Playbook and how AI could help councils navigate the chaos.

In this episode of Truth About Local Government, I sit down with Averil Price author of The Legacy Coach: Your Next Chapter, Your Legacy, Your Way, available on Amazon. After more than two decades as a Local Authority Director, Averil made the bold transition to running her own consultancy, Avie Consultancy, where she helps public sector leaders navigate career changes, promotions, or retirement while celebrating the impact they’ve made.We explore the inspiration behind her book, including how a life-changing brain haemorrhage shaped its themes, and dive into what “legacy” really means beyond job titles. Averil shares practical tools from her coaching practice such as journaling and mind mapping to help leaders clarify their next chapter and define their legacy on their own terms.Whether you’re a senior leader planning your future or simply curious about creating a meaningful professional journey, this conversation is packed with insights on purpose, resilience, and reinvention.Key Takeaways:Legacy is about impact and intention, not just roles.Practical exercises to help leaders reflect and plan their next chapter.Why journaling and mind mapping can unlock clarity and confidence.Connect with Averil:The Legacy Coach is available on AmazonLearn more about her work at Avie Consultancy and explore coaching opportunities.

In this episode of Truth About Local Government, Matthew Masters speaks with Professor Rafaela Neiva, Professor in Public Sociology at Liverpool Business School and a leading expert in cultural policy and social innovation. Rafaela’s work sits at the intersection of arts, health, and business, shaping strategies that have influenced European Capitals of Culture, improved public health, and driven innovation across sectors. We’ll explore what it truly takes to create a City of Culture, beyond the headlines and branding, looking at the planning, partnerships, and evidence-based approaches that deliver lasting impact for communities and economies.

Transformation in local government is often framed as a necessity driven by financial pressures, rising demand, and the need to modernise services. Yet, despite widespread efforts, success remains elusive. According to ChangingPoint, 70% of organisational change initiatives fail, and only one-third fully meet their intended goals. In this episode, Ashley Roper and Steve Mawn explore what councils could do differently to improve outcomes and embed sustainable change.Ashley Roper, a technologist and Founding Partner at RPNA, argues that transformation must begin with a clear understanding of outcomes. He warns against the common pitfall of leading with technology rather than purpose. Councils often invest in digital tools without first assessing the needs of citizens or the current state of their IT infrastructure. Roper advocates for a baseline assessment evaluating performance, user perception, skills, supply chain capacity, and business processes. This approach enables councils to identify gaps and align technology with strategic goals.Steve Mawn, who leads ICT and Transformation at Strata Service Solutions, brings a practitioner’s perspective from a shared service model supporting three councils in the South West. He highlights the importance of governance, flexibility, and long-term planning. Strata’s 2025–26 business plan includes major infrastructure upgrades such as cloud migration, CRM integration, and telephony replacement all designed to support transformation across partner councils. Mawn stresses that transformation must be embedded in operational delivery, not treated as a separate initiative. His team completed thousands of projects last year, with an average support rating of 4.5 out of 5, demonstrating the value of consistent service and staff engagement.Both guests agree that business readiness and user adoption are critical. Councils must invest in change management, staff training, and communication to ensure that new systems are not only implemented but embraced. The Local Government Association’s transformation programme echoes this, offering councils support to boost capacity and capability, with a focus on data-driven tools and continuous improvement.The episode also touches on the need for strategic sequencing. Transformation should not begin with structural reorganisation or system replacement alone. Instead, councils should stabilise core services, build internal capability, and then scale change. This phased approach is supported by the Institute for Government, which recommends that councils undergoing reorganisation prioritise “safe and legal” operations before embarking on long-term service redesign.

In this we had the pleasure of speaking with Emma Riley, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Barrett Values Centre, to explore the transformative power of organisational culture. Emma shares insights from her work at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and values, highlighting how culture can be a driving force in successful change processes. The conversation delves into the Barrett Values Centre’s approach to cultural transformation, the role of values in leadership, and how organisations can align who they are with what they do to unlock their full potential. Whether you're leading change, navigating uncertainty, or striving for high performance, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration for building resilient, values-driven organisations.

In this episode of Truth About Local Government, Matt Masters sits down with Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, to explore the city’s ambitious plans for infrastructure, regeneration, and inclusive growth. Mike shares his personal journey into politics, the values that guide his leadership, and the council’s vision for a “cleaner, safer and fairer” Hull.Listeners will hear about:Hull’s £42 million infrastructure investment plan and the push for government supportKey regeneration projects transforming the city’s public spaces and connectivityCultural investment and how Hull is building on its legacy as UK City of CultureThe challenges of leading a city with unique geographical and financial pressuresMike’s reflections on the mayoral campaign and the future of devolution in East YorkshireThis episode offers a candid look at civic leadership, strategic planning, and the power of place-based transformation. Whether you're a local government professional, a Hull resident, or simply curious about how cities evolve, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

Transformation is often seen as the fix for inefficiencies and budget pressures in local government, but many programmes fail to deliver lasting change. In this episode, Claire Symonds, Ashley Roper, and Meena Kishinani explore why. Claire Symonds (ex-Redbridge CEO) argues that transformation must be a continuous mindset, not a time-limited project. She highlights how vital leadership is in successful transformations.Ashley Roper (RPNA) warns against tech-led change without clear outcomes. He stresses the need for upfront assessments of systems, citizen needs, and staff engagement, noting only 17% of public sector digital efforts are seen as fully successful.Meena Kishinani (ex-Birmingham and Barking & Dagenham) focuses on the human side. She emphasises the importance of strong governance, staff buy-in, and leadership that can sustain change beyond individual tenures. Her work on the “Different” programme highlights the value of diverse leadership. Sector-wide data shows digital strategy implementation is regressing, with only 16% of councils completing theirs in 2025. Systemic issues data silos, political instability, and resistance to change, continue to hinder transformation at scale.

In this episode we sit down with Alexander Mileman, Founder of Achieving for Action to explore the transformative potential of the Social Care Value Index project. They discuss how local authorities are sitting on a goldmine of data that could radically improve outcomes in social care if only it were used more effectively. From identifying what truly works to exposing inefficiencies, this conversation challenges the sector to rethink how it measures value and impact. Alexander shares insights from the project, the barriers to better data use, and what needs to change to unlock smarter, more compassionate care. If you are a Director of Adult Social Services or a S151 Officer looking for savings, and a strategy that is evidenced based, this is one for you.

In this episode, we speak with Councillor Cameron Holloway, the Leader of Cambridge City Council, about the exciting developments and pressing challenges facing one of the UK’s most iconic cities. From government-backed growth ambitions to acute infrastructure constraints, Holloway shares his vision for a fairer, greener Cambridge. We explore how the council is tackling poverty, protecting the environment, and ensuring that residents have a real say in shaping their city’s future. With national attention focused on Cambridge, this conversation offers a timely insight into leadership, values-led development, and the importance of democratic accountability in local government.

This special crossover episode features Matt Masters, host of The Truth About Local Government, in conversation with Kirsty Hunt, host of Governance Matters a podcast produced by South East Employers that explores the building blocks of good governance in local government.In Season 2, Episode 5, Matt interviews Kirsty to unpack the concept of incremental creep the slow, often unnoticed erosion of governance standards in councils. The discussion explores how small compromises in transparency, decision-making, and accountability can accumulate into systemic risk and public distrust.Kirsty shares six warning signs of incremental creep:Cultural complacency (“That’s how we’ve always done it”)Leadership turnover and loss of institutional memoryWeak scrutiny and challengeOver-reliance on individualsInformal decision-makingPoor record-keepingThe episode also highlights the importance of:Empowering statutory officers (the “Golden Triangle”)Councillor induction and developmentExternal reviews and peer learningResident engagement and democratic health KPIs“Expose it. Give it nowhere to hide.” – Kirsty Hunt “Is there incremental creep in your governance? And if so, what are you going to do about it?” – Matt MastersThis episode is a must-listen for anyone working in or with local government who wants to strengthen governance before crisis hits.

In this energising episode of The Truth About Local Government, Matthew Masters speaks with Jonathan Stephenson, Chief Executive of Brentwood Borough and Rochford District Councils, and the driving force behind the Public Sector Challenge. Together, they explore:The origins and evolution of the Public Sector Challenge as a movement for wellbeing, resilience and connection.Lessons from merging two councils without shared boundaries — and why culture, communication and shared systems matter.The opportunities and risks of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), including digital transformation, supplier relationships, and harmonising terms and conditions.How to build capacity for innovation in a sector under pressure — and why collaboration must become the default.The importance of transparency, trust and values-led leadership in shaping high-performing public services.This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change in local government or seeking inspiration on how to lead with purpose and courage.

In this episode, Matthew Masters sits down with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to discuss Ride the Wave a major new project supported by CIPFA and Core Cities. The report explores how local authorities can balance the government’s push for locally led growth with the need for fiscal responsibility, especially in the context of urban renewal and investment risk.Joe also shares a preview of two upcoming Localis projects: one on digital integration during local authority mergers, and another exploring the intersection of devolution and digital public services. Together, these initiatives paint a picture of how local government can lead the next wave of reform smart, strategic, and digitally enabled.

In this episode, we had the privilege of interviewing Hannah Dalton, Independent Councillor and Leader of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, to explore the unique and often underappreciated role of independent councillors in the UK’s local government system. They discuss the challenges of operating outside party politics, the opportunities for community-led decision-making, and how independents can shape policy, culture, and collaboration in councils.

In this episode, we speak with Sara Harrup, Executive Coach for Neurodivergent Professionals, Board Chair, Non-Executive Director, and Inclusive Governance Expert. As an openly autistic ADHDer, Sara brings lived experience and professional insight into how neurodivergent leaders can thrive in high-pressure environments.We explore her coaching practice, her governance work, and her advocacy for neuroinclusive leadership. Sara shares practical strategies for local authorities to better support neurodivergent staff, especially those in senior roles, and discusses her downloadable resource Performance Enhancers for Neurodivergent Directors and Executives. We also touch on her writing, including contributions to thought leadership on neurodivergent governance and leadership, and her upcoming book projects that aim to reshape how organisations understand and support different kinds of minds.This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to building inclusive, high-performing teams in local government.

In this episode we sit down with Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, to explore the borough’s bold regeneration plans, recent service improvements, and the challenges of modern civic leadership. Arooj shares her personal journey into politics, the values driving her leadership, and how Oldham is tackling identity politics, financial pressures, and community cohesion head-on. Listeners will gain insight into:The transformation of Oldham’s town centre and housing strategyImprovements in children’s services and future ambitionsNavigating political turbulence and building resilienceTackling budget constraints while protecting vulnerable residentsArooj’s vision for inclusive leadership and community empowermentThis episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in local government innovation, leadership under pressure, and the future of place-based transformation.

In this episode we sit down with Cllr Danielle Belton, Leader of Rochford District Council, to explore the exciting initiatives shaping the district’s future and the challenges that come with them. From town centre regeneration and community empowerment to resisting unsustainable housing pressures, Danielle shares her vision for a member-led, transparent administration. We discuss the council’s new Economic Growth Strategy, the controversial housing proposals, and how Rochford is navigating local government reform while staying true to its semi-rural identity. It’s a candid conversation about leadership, values, and the power of local decision-making.

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest challenges in organisational development: how to ensure that learning actually leads to behaviour change. We’re joined again by Kevan Collier, Strategic Learning and Organisational Development Lead at North West Employers, to explore how the COM-B model which stands for Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation – Behaviour can be used as a powerful framework to design learning experiences that truly stick.We unpack how local government leaders can apply COM-B to improve the transfer of learning from the classroom (or Zoom room) to the workplace, and how to create the right conditions for people to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful, measurable ways.

In this episode we interview Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council, to explore how local leadership is navigating financial adversity, driving regeneration, and empowering communities.Cllr Earl discusses the council’s strategic vision, including place-based regeneration, community governance reform, and the challenges posed by a significant SEND deficit. She shares her approach to collaborative leadership within the Three Towns Alliance and reflects on how BCP is balancing ambition with fiscal responsibility.Listeners will gain insight into:The realities of leading a unitary authority under financial strain.How BCP is investing in infrastructure and community empowerment.The importance of local decision-making and inclusive governance.