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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

Shifting the levers of control to the local

By Max Wide | 03 September 2025

Max Wide says it is time to fundamentally alter the dynamics of the relationships between localities and the institutions that serve them, and he sets out fo...

PODCASTS

Embracing Reform

By Ann McGauran | 02 September 2025

Stephen Atkinson speaks to Ann McGauran ahead of Reform UK’s conference this week about the value of the Local Government Association, scrutinising council f...

PODCASTS

September: The biggest month for local government in half a century

By Gavin Callaghan | 01 September 2025

September is the biggest month for local government in half a century, says leader of Basildon BC Gavin Callaghan - and the Government is acting so radicall...

PODCASTS

Suffolk CC opposition: Maintain roads instead of splashing out on reorganisation publicity

By Dan Peters | 15 August 2025

Suffolk CC has spent around £100,000 of taxpayers’ money promoting a single county unitary to residents in the last two months, the council’s official opposi...