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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

Supporting local leaders after a tumultuous election

By Sean Harriss | 27 May 2026

Sean Harriss looks at how senior council officers can best support an influx of thousands of newly-elected and inexperienced politicians.

PODCASTS

Looking out for the local

By Paul Marinko | 27 May 2026

Helping the Local Councils Network’s members and officers to manage the disruption of moving to a unitary is the biggest challenge ahead, says Jonathan Steph...

PODCASTS

Reform's good local government problems

By Ann McGauran | 20 May 2026

Ben Bradley talks to Ann McGauran about the implications of Reform UK’s huge election gains for reorganisation and delivering efficiencies – and he shares th...

PODCASTS

The post-elections play

By Ann McGauran | 13 May 2026

After Reform UK’s key election scalps, sector experts say the party will be reluctant to fall in line with a devolution and reorganisation programme it did n...