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

Our World is Local: Law, governance and kindness, with Rachel McKoy

29 June 2025

Newham LBC's Rachel McKoy lifts the lid on one of local government’s most vital but often least understood roles — the monitoring officer

PODCASTS

The death of local government

By Steve Leach | 25 June 2025

The Government’s commitment to authorities of around half-a-million will further decimate the councillor population and Labour’s legacy will be the destructi...

PODCASTS

Local Authority of the Year revealed

By Martin Ford | 20 June 2025

The MJ’s Local Authority of the Year has been announced at a gala ceremony this afternoon.

PODCASTS

'A drop in the ocean'

By By Paul Marinko | 12 June 2025

Sector dismisses meagre government funding as consultants cash in on reorganisation