In this episode of Truth About Local Government, Becky Louise interviews Matt Masters to unpack a crucial question: what makes a truly effective interim leader in local government? Drawing on real-world experience and sharp observation, Matt outlines the essential traits that separate high-performing interims from the rest.

From navigating political complexity to delivering results at pace, this conversation explores the mindset, behaviours, and values that define the best interim professionals. Whether you're hiring, working alongside, or considering becoming an interim yourself, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at what excellence really looks like in these pivotal roles.

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, I sit down with Keith Burge veteran economic strategist and place-based development expert to unpack the complex machinery behind local economic development in the UK.

We explore how national ambitions are translated into meaningful local outcomes, drawing on Keith’s extensive experience in regions like Tees Valley, West of England, and North Tyne. From evaluating employability projects and appraising funding bids to crafting local economic strategies and impact assessments, Keith shares insights into what makes local plans effective and what often gets lost in translation.

Topics include:

• How combined authorities assess funding bids for strategic alignment
• The role of impact assessments in job creation, employability, and environmental outcomes
• Lessons from evaluating major programmes like the Tees Valley Festival
• Writing local economic strategies sometimes ahead of national policy
• Collaborating with local authorities, universities, NHS, and other key partners

Whether you're a policymaker, practitioner, or just curious about how public money is turned into local progress, this episode offers a grounded, expert view on what works and what doesn’t in place-based economic development.

In this episode, Matthew Masters is joined again by Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to explore two of their latest publications: "New Stable", which examines how reforming the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) could unlock billions for affordable housing, and "Generating Hope", which looks at the Local Power Plan within GB Energy and the role of local authorities in driving clean energy transformation.

Together, they unpack how local government can be empowered to lead on two of the UK’s most pressing challenges, housing and energy, through strategic investment, public-private partnerships, and systemic reform.

In this powerful episode of The Truth About Local Government, we sit down with Claire Donovan, Director at End Furniture Poverty, and Ian Rice, Service Manager for Financial Support at North Tyneside Council, to uncover the hidden crisis of furniture poverty a growing issue affecting thousands of residents across the UK.

We explore the scale and impact of furniture poverty on individuals and families, particularly its profound effects on health and wellbeing, and why public health teams are increasingly involved in addressing it. Claire and Ian share insights into the economic and social benefits of furniture provision, including reduced rental arrears, improved tenancy sustainability, and decreased void costs.

We also dive into the Furniture Flex service a practical, scalable solution that’s already delivering results and discuss the findings of a cost-benefit analysis that shows how investing in furniture provision can lead to significant savings across the public sector.

Whether you're a policymaker, housing officer, or simply passionate about social justice, this episode offers a compelling case for why furniture is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we speak with Owen Jenkins, Executive Director for Place at Surrey County Council. As infrastructure costs continue to rise, local authorities face mounting pressure to deliver essential services while balancing fiscal responsibility and climate commitments. Owen shares insights into the financial, logistical, and environmental challenges of major developments and how councils like Surrey are working to overcome them.

In this episode of Beyond Growth, we speak with Rob Noonan from the University of Chester, whose recent work challenges the dominant economic narrative that growth is always good. Drawing on his 2024 publications, Rob explores how capitalism and the pursuit of extrinsic goals have contributed to poor public health, widening inequalities, and unsustainable futures. We discuss what this means for local government leaders and policymakers: how can councils reframe their goals, shift priorities, and build healthier, fairer communities without relying on endless economic expansion?

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Olivia Treanor interviews Matt Masters to explore the evolving role of interim professionals and why staying relevant is critical in today’s local government landscape.

Matt shares his perspective on what gives interims their edge, agility, fresh thinking, and the ability to drive change at pace. The conversation dives into how interims can remain indispensable by aligning with strategic priorities, embracing continuous learning, and building trust quickly in complex environments. Olivia and Matt also reflect on the broader value interims bring to a sector under pressure to deliver more with less.

Whether you're an interim, a hiring manager, or simply curious about the future of local government leadership, this episode offers practical insights and a compelling case for why relevance isn’t optional, it’s essential.

In this episode, Matthew Masters speaks with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, about their latest report, Guarantee of Potential. The conversation explores how the UK can reform its skills system by adopting a whole systems approach integrating employment, health, education, and procurement at the local level.

Joe explains how devolution, Integrated Care Systems, and the absorption of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) into councils are reshaping the landscape of local service delivery. He also highlights the untapped power of procurement as a tool for driving social value and aligning local spending with strategic goals.

Packed with insights, case studies, and a forward-looking vision, this episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of local governance, economic inclusion, and public service reform.