Truth about local government podcast

Matt Masters

Welcome to the "Truth about local government” podcast.

Local Government is a pillar of our community. We all contribute financially and rely on these regional organisations for a multitude of services. However, sometimes as a member of the public it can be difficult to understand what challenges they are facing, the solutions they are implementing and fundamentally how that affects our day-to-day lives.

The purpose of this podcast is to shine a light on topics and issues that are prevalent in local authorities across the UK at the present time. And hopefully by shining a light on the problems local authorities face and the solutions they are implementing, it will drive greater engagement with local authorities across the UK.

My name is Matt Masters, I work with local authorities across the UK providing interim resourcing solutions for projects and vacancies.

I am passionate about local government, the work they complete and the benefit a well run council can have on the community it creates and serves. Fundamentally, it is my belief that understanding what your local authority is doing against the tide of challenges is something everyone should have easy access to. It is for everyone, not just political activists.

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A deep dive into social impact in the built environment with Nikki Davies

A deep dive into social impact in the built environment with Nikki Davies

.Today with Co Presenter Amy Cox, we interviewed Nikki Davies, Chief Executive of Meeting Place, a nationally recognised expert in providing strategies to developers and property owners on how to communicate their projects and their social and environmental impact.We explored with Nikki:What her current role and remit was at Meeting Place?What has been her journey to get to be Managing Director?How she measures social impact?How do you achieve social impact through the built environment?What are the challenges in the sector?What are the opportunities in the sector?What does the future hold for place and these sort of initiatives?

A deep dive into social impact in the built environment with Nikki Davies

A deep dive into social impact in the built environment with Nikki Davies

.Today with Co Presenter Amy Cox, we interviewed Nikki Davies, Chief Executive of Meeting Place, a nationally recognised expert in providing strategies to developers and property owners on how to communicate their projects and their social and environmental impact.We explored with Nikki:What her current role and remit was at Meeting Place?What has been her journey to get to be Managing Director?How she measures social impact?How do you achieve social impact through the built environment?What are the challenges in the sector?What are the opportunities in the sector?What does the future hold for place and these sort of initiatives?

Perspectives on the planning system FT David Thompson

Perspectives on the planning system FT David Thompson

Today we sat down with David Thompson, Assistant Director - Planning at North East Derbyshire District Council. We discussed issues around the supply of new planners joining the profession, embracing IT to find innovative ways to engage with the community and where David's passion for planning comes from.

Financial sustainability in local government FT Paul Dossett (Head of Local Government at Grant Thornton)

Financial sustainability in local government FT Paul Dossett (Head of Local Government at Grant Thornton)

It was fantastic to sit down with Paul Dossett, Partner and Head of Local Government at Grant Thornton discussing financial sustainability in local government at the present time.Paul answered the following questions:- What is the current picture of financial sustainability in local government?- While councils cannot go ‘bankrupt’, they instead issue section 114 notices and we have seen significantly more of these issued over the past couple of years. Are these section 114 notices the right answer to solving financial sustainability issues?- Commercial investments have increased in the sector over recent years. Why is this and what is the risk associated with these alternative investment approaches?- Demand is increasing across many services for councils, notably in adults and children’s services and homelessness – is the sector’s financial position sustainable enough to manage these increasing demand led pressures?- Good governance is key to good financial management of public funds. What constitutes good governance within a council?

The new era for Wigan Council - built on kindness and compassion.

The new era for Wigan Council - built on kindness and compassion.

It was fantastic to sit down with Alison McKenzie-Folan, Chief Executive of Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council. We discussed how on an ethos of kindness and compassion, coupled with innovation and continuous improvement has helped deliver the Wigan Deal and is driving through the New Era for Wigan. Alison is conscious that they build on the successes of the deal and learn from the mistakes. Wigan is definitely a council evolving and embracing the opportunities that exist to tackle the challenges they face.

Connecting people, businesses and places - the trailblazers. FT Ed Cox.

Connecting people, businesses and places - the trailblazers. FT Ed Cox.

It is an incredibly exciting time for the West Midlands Combined Authority, with the new settlement agreement that will streamline their ability to invest into projects that will have the greatest impact on the region over the next two years. Great to speak with Ed Cox, Executive Director for Strategy, Economy and Net Zero to understand the role of the Combined Authority, the aspirations the WMCA has and why he joined and continues to work for this important institution.

Blaby District Council, a council punching well above its weight. FT Julia Smith.

Blaby District Council, a council punching well above its weight. FT Julia Smith.

It was fantastic to sit down with Julia Smith, the Chief Executive of Blaby District Council to discuss her journey, the exciting things taking place in the Blaby District at the moment and the opportunities that exist for those who join the Council's leadership team.

At the heart of Blaby District Council is a culture of trust. Ft Terry Richardson - Leader of the Council.

At the heart of Blaby District Council is a culture of trust. Ft Terry Richardson - Leader of the Council.

Cllr Terry Richardson is first and foremost a fair man. His passion, authenticity and honesty over his nine years as leader, has helped shaped and progress Blaby. We discussed his journey into politics, the fantastic officers and senior leadership team that he works in partnership with and what the future holds for Blaby.

Challenges, solutions and all things local government FT Adele Gritten

Challenges, solutions and all things local government FT Adele Gritten

Great to speak with Adele Gritten, Chief Executive – Local Partnerships LLP.Today we explored the challenges that local authorities are facing and how Local Partnership LLP is supporting councils with their journey, to overcome these challenges with innovative solutions.

Exploring Muse Developments partnerships with local authorities, enabling the delivery of brighter futures for our towns and cities.

Exploring Muse Developments partnerships with local authorities, enabling the delivery of brighter futures for our towns and cities.

Great to sit down with Phil Mayall - MD of Muse Developments, to discuss development, partnership and the challenges facing the sector at the moment. What struck me in our recording was the authenticity and genuine care that Phil has for the partnerships he and Muse enter into and how as partners, the potential of developments can truly be realised.

Everyone can win in development, if we are not afraid of asking difficult questions upfront. FT Jack Boyce.

Everyone can win in development, if we are not afraid of asking difficult questions upfront. FT Jack Boyce.

Great to sit down with Jack Boyce - Director of the Midlands region for DevComms. They specialise in political and community stakeholder engagement in the built environment. A really fantastic ambassador of trust being the secret ingredient to successful developments.

The housing crisis, the consequences and solutions. FT Chris Brook.

The housing crisis, the consequences and solutions. FT Chris Brook.

.Today we sat down with Chris Brook - Director of Place and Enterprise at South Hams District Councils and West Devon Borough Council and we discussed the housing crisis, the consequences and the solutions to this systemic problem.

‘Channelling Creative Energy – Local Government’s role in enabling creative placemaking’? FT James Trowsdale

‘Channelling Creative Energy – Local Government’s role in enabling creative placemaking’? FT James Trowsdale

It was fantastic to sit down with James Trowsdale, Strategic Lead for Culture at North East Lincolnshire Council to discuss local government's role in enabling creative placemaking. Challenging creative energy, is so important and it was great to get into this today with James.

Exploring the consequences of the upcoming Procurement Act with Simon Hill.

Exploring the consequences of the upcoming Procurement Act with Simon Hill.

As the Procurement Bill makes its way through government, ahead of implementation in autumn 2024, our Managing Director Simon Hill will discuss how the upcoming Procurement Act will create positive change and unlock the potential of future public procurement. However, the sector must challenge, collaborate and communicate to truly maximise the benefit of the new Procurement Bill.

La Révolution. Exploring what we can learn from the French approach to development and regeneration.

La Révolution. Exploring what we can learn from the French approach to development and regeneration.

Andrew Booth is a highly experienced Head of Development and Regeneration, who has run his own architect business in France and now works for local government in the UK. He educated me on the French system and what we can learn from the French approach to development and regeneration.

A deep dive into regeneration with Paul Richards

A deep dive into regeneration with Paul Richards

Today we sat down with Paul Richards, who is the CEO of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation alongside being the Director of Development and Regeneration for Stockport Council and has previously been Property Director for Findel PLC, Homeform Group and Wine Cellar.He has extensive senior level experience of managing occupational property portfolios and capital transformation programmes and is a Chartered Surveyor.In his current role within the Council, he is responsible for the £1 billion investment into development and regeneration across the Borough, in addition to its culture and leisure team and economy, work and skills.

Exploring the innovation, collaboration and bravery in the highways sector with Paula Claytonsmith

Exploring the innovation, collaboration and bravery in the highways sector with Paula Claytonsmith

Great to sit down with Paula Claytonsmith - Chief Executive of the Local Council Roads Innovation Group. Today we explored:Why the Highways sector is the place to be – The Highways sector is going through arguably the biggest paradigm shift in 15 years. With AI, Quantum computing, innovations in materials, changes in thinking, and skills shortage the sector is one of the most exciting industries to be a part of whether you are an Engineer or not.Why culture, “bravery” and adaptability are key components of implementing innovation in local government highway servicesWhat are the biggest challenges affecting the sector?

Insight into Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council with Chief Executive - Arthur Charvonia

Insight into Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council with Chief Executive - Arthur Charvonia

Today we sat down with Arthur Charvonia, who has been the Chief Executive at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils since January 2017. The council is first Green Party majority Council in the Northern Hemisphere and an 'elegant' Green, Independent, Liberal Democrat power sharing Council. Arthur is an exceptional leader and it was great to get his views on a number of key topics.

Collaboration the critical component in driving efficiency. FT Rosie Pearson.

Collaboration the critical component in driving efficiency. FT Rosie Pearson.

.Fantastic to sit down with Rosie Pearson - Corporate Director - Local Partnerships LLP discussing how collaboration is the critical component in driving positive outcome and efficiency in local government organisations.

Commercialisation in local government. Ft Andrew Ireland.

Commercialisation in local government. Ft Andrew Ireland.

Great to sit down with Andrew Ireland - Strategic Director of Investment at the London Borough at Newham to discuss Commercialisation in local government. Andrew's proposed centres of excellence, which councils can get advice from for free, is fantastic. This innovative solution would mean not every council is trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, have experts who are passionate about social value, provide the solutions and councils can regionally focus on their implementation.

Exploring the importance of partnerships and ED&I in social care

Exploring the importance of partnerships and ED&I in social care

Great to talk to Aisling Khan former Strategic Director People and Communities (DCS and DASS)/Joint Deputy Chief Executive with the Council of the Isles of Scilly. Aisling talked through how partnerships and ED&I are critical components in local government care functions.