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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

EXCLUSIVE: Essex steps back from reorganisation legal challenge

By Paul Marinko | 16 April 2026

Essex CC has stepped back from a legal challenge to the Government’s reorganisation plans but called for the process to consider ‘countywide arrangements’.

PODCASTS

Winning the war on waste?

By David Blackman | 16 April 2026

Is Reform UK’s waste drive just a saloon bar dream or are there still genuine efficiencies to be gleaned in local government? David Blackman reports

PODCASTS

New name, same game

By Cllr Richard Wright | 09 April 2026

Chair of the newly-branded LCN, Richard Wright, talks to Paul Marinko about the network’s aims, where it sits among other key organisations within the sector...

PODCASTS

Future Forum: Reorganisation threat to transformation

By Martin Ford | 12 March 2026

Fears that ambitions to include transformation alongside local government reorganisation may not be realised have been voiced at The MJ’s Future Forum.