Shows
The Local Authority PodcastBudgeting in uncertain times with Patrick Melia, Cllr Peter Marland and Joanne Pitt For the fourth year in a row the government has handed councils a single year finance settlement, albeit with some indication of what to expect for the following year. After more than a decade of funding restraint and in the face of high inflation, the uncertainty of single year budgets adds to councils’ challenges in planning services. In this episode of The Local Authority, LGC, along with our partners TPXimpact, wanted to explore how councils are managing these circumstances.
Joining LGC editor Sarah Calkin this month is Patrick Melia, chief executive at Sunderland City Council; Cllr Peter Mar...
2023-04-1246 min
The Local Authority PodcastTurning around troubled councils with Joanna Killian, Cllr Graham Chapman, Tony McArdle and Paul FrainerMore councils are struggling than ever before: in the past two years eight councils have been subject to formal government intervention or only narrowly avoided it, compared to five in the 12 years prior to that. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities recently advertised for inspectors and commissioners, suggesting there may be more interventions to come. In this episode of The Local Authority, we explore why so many councils currently appear to be struggling, the role of government commissioners and intervention and what it takes to bring about lasting improvement.
Joining Sarah Calkin this month is Joanna...
2023-03-1550 min
The Local Authority PodcastDelayed discharges and social care with Robin Tuddenham, Sarah McClinton, Miriam Deakin and Sam RaffellJoining Sarah this month is Robin Tuddenham, chief executive at Calderdale MBC; Sarah McClinton, president of ADASS and director of health & adult services at Greenwich RBC; Miriam Deakin, deputy chief executive, NHS Providers; Sam Raffell, partner at TPXimpact.
The issue of delayed discharges and hospital capacity has dominated the headlines of late, with social care often bearing the brunt of the blame in the national narrative. In this episode of The Local Authority, we explore the complexities of the interface between health and social care and what that might mean for long term solutions to the current c...
2023-02-0844 min
The Local Authority PodcastDiversity, equity and inclusion in local government with Shazia Hussain, Cllr Bev Craig and Laura HarrisAcross society, businesses and other organisations have woken up to the importance of diversity in the workforce and the improvements it can bring to decision making. In local government it is even more important that councils reflect the communities they serve, amongst both officers and members, yet too often, especially at senior levels, this is not the case. In the next edition of The Local Authority podcast LGC, along with our partners TPX Impact, are seeking to explore what can be done to change this, as well as how local government can do more to build cohesive fairer communities.
2023-01-1146 min
The Local Authority PodcastThe workforce crisis with Simon Fletcher, Cllr James Jamieson and Emma CheshireThe workforce crisis facing local government has been well documented: from planners and finance teams to social workers and housing officers, councils are struggling to recruit the staff they need. What impact are high levels of vacancies having on how councils operate? What actions can councils take now to improve retention and recruitment? How can local government better market itself as an employer of choice?
In this episode of The Local Authority, our panel will explore how councils can and are seeking to both address the immediate challenge and develop the workforce of the future.
J...
2022-11-3050 min
The Local Authority PodcastThe cost of living crisis: live at the Solace Summit!The Local Authority Podcast goes live! Joining our chair, Thomas Kohut, Principal Consultant at TPXimpact this month is Kersten England, chief executive at City of Bradford Council; Deven Ghelani, director at Policy in Practice; Paul Frainer, partner at TPXimpact and Local Government Chronicle's editor, Sarah Calkin.
Recorded with a live audience at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, the panel discuss the issue we are all facing: the ever-increasing cost of living crisis.
Importantly answering, what does the rising cost of living mean for our organisations? What does it mean for the people we serve and what ca...
2022-10-2656 min
The Local Authority PodcastThe new PM and secretary of state with Cllr Abi Brown, Cllr Chris Read, Tony Travers and Claire HazelgroveOn Monday 5 September the next prime minister of the United Kingdom was announced, followed by the appointment of a new cabinet and set of junior ministers. In the latest edition of The Local Authority podcast LGC, along with our partners TPXimpact, consider what the new administration will mean for local government and key policies affecting the sector.
What should councils expect from the new PM and their administration? Will levelling up and agreeing more devolution deals remain a priority? Will the new secretary of state be a localist? What does it mean for adult social care funding...
2022-09-2843 min
The Local Authority PodcastThe future of services for children and young people with SEND with Lucy Nethsingha, Matt Dunkley and Alex LeslieIt is widely accepted that the 2014 reforms to the provision of services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities were poorly implemented and insufficiently funded. More than half of councils are significantly overspending on their high needs budgets and yet parents feel it is a battle to get the support their child needs and, worst of all, outcomes for children and young people are still poor. Ministers have recently finished consulting on a green paper setting out reforms intended to address these issues.
Joining Sarah to discuss all this and more is Lucy...
2022-08-3147 min
The Local Authority PodcastSocial Housing in the 21st Century with Pam Smith, Joanne Drew, Jim Bennett and Stuart MackenzieMore than a million households are currently on the waiting list for social housing and councils are struggling to build new homes to meet this demand. Meanwhile the expanded role for the Regulator of Social Housing in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy means councils are facing greater oversight of their existing provision. In this edition of The Local Authority podcast LGC, along with our partners TPXimpact, explore what all of this means for the future of council housing and its role in creating sustainable places.
Joining Sarah this episode is Pam Smith, chief executive at...
2022-08-1046 min
The Local Authority PodcastThe Future of Elections with Peter Stanyon, Darren Hughes and Claire HazelgroveThis episode of The Local Authority podcast features panellists Peter Stanyon, chief executive at AEA Elections; Darren Hughes, chief executive at Electoral Reform Society and Claire Hazelgrove, community and political engagement director at TPXimpact.
The panel look at all aspects of how elections administered by local government could change, including how can councils encourage more people to vote, the potential for emerging technology and whether other democratic innovations such as citizens assembly and referenda enhance or diminish representative democracy.
The panel also take a deep dive into local elections, including increasing attendance, the need to...
2022-06-2946 min
The Local Authority PodcastChildren’s Services with Jill Colbert, Steve Crocker and David AyreJoining Local Government Chronicle editor, Nick Golding this month is: Jill Colbert, Chief Executive at Together For Children and Defence Children's Services; Steve Crocker, President for Association of Directors of Children's Services and David Ayre, Partner, Local Government at TPXimpact.
On this episode the panel discuss the rising demand and cost for children and young people's services. How can councils effectively run and set a precedent for giving vulnerable children the best start in life. Are early intervention systems synergized with other council services?
All this and more - listen to The Local Authority on all...
2022-06-0147 min
The Local Authority PodcastThe Squeeze with Mike Brewer, Helen Barnard and Paul FrainerIn this new episode of The Local Authority, editor of Local Government Chronicle, Nick Golding speaks to the panellists about 'The Squeeze'.
What can councils do to support their local population during the cost-of-living crisis, including the rise in energy bills to unprecedented levels – even before the invasion of Ukraine. How councils can work to reduce poverty, both among those in and not in work. What strategies can they adopt and which sections of the population should they focus on?
Alongside Nick, this episode features Mike Brewer, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Economics, Resolution Foundation; Helen...
2022-05-1845 min
The Local Authority PodcastDevolution: can councils seize the initiative following the levelling up white paper with Amanda Hopgood, Tony Travers and Mike DearingThis exciting new episode of The Local Authority podcast explores devolution. Following the publication of the government’s flagship ‘Levelling Up White Paper’, our panel discuss if councils can seize the moment and take the initiative. This requires radical reform, but do councils have the tools to do it?
Joining Nick Golding, editor of Local Government Chronicle to discuss is: Amanda Hopgood, Leader at Durham CC; Tony Travers, Director at LSE London and Mike Dearing, Managing Director International at TPXimpact.
The panel discuss the decisions made at a devolved level – can we be optimistic about the decen...
2022-03-0242 min
The Local Authority PodcastHealth and social care integration with Sally Warren, Rob Walsh and David AyreRing in the new year with a brand-new episode of the Local Authority Podcast.
Joining Nick Golding, editor of Local Government Chronicle this month is: Sally Warren, Director of Policy, The King’s Fund; Rob Walsh, Chief Executive, North East Lincolnshire Council, and NHS North East Lincolnshire CCG; and David Ayre, Partner - Local Government, TPXimpact.
Health and social care integration has been a policy hot-potato for years now and with the Government’s recent plans unveiled, this latest episode asks how services users can be better served.
The panel discuss in detail the cur...
2022-02-0241 min
The Local Authority PodcastHow Gove can drive change with David Simmonds MP, Jessica Studdert and Claire HazelgroveJoining LGC editor Nick Golding this month is; David Simmonds, Conservative MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner; Jessica Studdert, deputy chief executive, New Local; and Claire Hazelgrove, organising and political engagement director at FutureGov becoming TPXimpact.
The panel discuss the ways in which Michael Gove can drive change within local government in his new role as levelling up secretary. Can councils expect their big-beast new secretary of state to finally bring cohesion to Whitehall’s dealings with the sector? Will Mr Gove's reputation of being a disruptor set a precedent for how he treats councils? And will he...
2021-12-0151 min