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PODCASTS

Our World is Local: Local government reorganisation with Simon Kaye

Simon Kaye, policy director at the think tank Reform, explores the competing visions for future council structures, the tug-of-war between county and district authorities, and the thorny issue of scale versus locality

In this episode of Our World is Local, Heather Jameson is joined by guest co-host Dan Humphreys, Cratus Group, for a deep dive into the hot topic dominating local government: Reorganisation.

Together with special guest Simon Kaye, policy director at the think tank Reform, they explore the competing visions for future council structures, the tug-of-war between county and district authorities, and the thorny issue of scale versus locality.

From boundary battles in Rutland to bold thinking on economies of context, this episode unpacks the political, practical, and cultural challenges facing local government reform. We also reflect on the roles of councillors, mayors, and strategic authorities in shaping public services and what true local leadership could look like in a reshaped system.

Usually 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 find previous episodes here, on Spotify or wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

 

PODCASTS

Government should have 'leeway' to seek new council leaders' LGR views

By Ann McGauran | 04 March 2026

Government should have ‘some leeway’ to offer newly-elected council leaders the chance to put forward a formal view on reorganisation proposals, a think-tank...

PODCASTS

After the elections: Crafting a new council

By Martin Ford | 04 March 2026

With councils bracing for the upheaval of political change in May’s local elections, Martin Ford spoke to two authorities about the challenges they have face...

PODCASTS

Getting ready for the big LGR reset

By Ann McGauran | 26 February 2026

Anna Earnshaw talks to Ann McGauran about reorganisation’s biggest risk, and what central Government could do to ease the path towards unitarisation.

PODCASTS

Councils need consistency and clarity from government

By Jonathan Carr-West | 25 February 2026

As councils grapple with a host of reforms announced by central government, Jonathan Carr-West pleas for less unpredictability and more consistency of purpose.