In this episode, Marcus and Michael take a tour through some of the biggest issues shaping local government today. We reflect on the recent ministerial appointments of Steve Reed, Matthew Pennycook and Alison McGovern, and what their arrival at MHCLG might signal for the sector. We also cover the New Towns Taskforce report — its objectives, the principles underpinning it, and the delivery and cost challenges it presents.

We then turn to the enduring productivity puzzle: why productivity in local government matters, its chequered history from Compulsory Competitive Tendering through to Michael Gove’s “productivity plans,” and the difficulties of applying traditional measures to complex, people-focused services.

Finally, we round things off with an exploration of trust ports — the curious, independent harbour authorities that play a surprisingly important role in UK trade.