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PODCASTS

Inside the Local Authority of the Year

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named 'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden.

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named  'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden. 

Mike's career in local government spans almost 40 years - 28 of them at Knowsley. He talks about the culture and achievements that made the council award-winning. Mike will be retiring from his position at the end of 2024, and will be doing so on an incredibly high note!

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local' podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. 

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify  and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

PODCASTS

Impact of ICB cuts leads councils to moot legal challenge

By Paul Marinko | 06 November 2026

Councils have been warned they may need to test the legalities of Integrated Care Board (ICBs) cuts as restructuring plans leave gaps for them to fill.

PODCASTS

Turning devolution and reorganisation ambition into something tangible for residents

By Caroline Green | 03 November 2026

Councils need clarity, partnership and certainty to deliver successful reorganisation and devolution, says Caroline Green.

PODCASTS

Call for commissioners at strategic authority

By Dan Peters | 02 November 2026

The Labour group leader at Hull City Council has called for the Government to ‘step in to appoint commissioners’ at his strategic authority.

PODCASTS

Ask young people first: what a new town taught me about planning for the next generation

By Saeed Atcha | 02 November 2026

Saeed Atcha looks at what happened when Ebbsfleet Development Corporation asked more than 300 young people what kind of place they wanted, and what councils ...

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