Truth about Local Government

Neurodivergent people are represented across every part of society, including local government, yet the conversation about supporting neurodivergent elected members is often overlooked. In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Simon Bowers interviews Matt Masters about why councils should be doing more to recognise, support and develop neurodivergent councillors.
The discussion explores how better support can strengthen local democracy, improve officer-member relationships, enhance decision-making, reduce burnout and encourage a broader range of people to stand for elected office. Matt shares practical insights on creating councillor environments that enable people with different thinking styles to thrive, ultimately leading to better outcomes for councils, communities and residents.

Local government continues to face significant workforce challenges, yet many organisations unintentionally create barriers that prevent autistic employees from reaching their full potential. In this episode, Matt Masters is joined by autism and neurodiversity advocate Alex Manners to explore what it is really like to enter, navigate and succeed in the workplace as an autistic professional.
Drawing on his lived experience, Alex shares the challenges he has encountered throughout education, employment and everyday life, as well as the adjustments and support that have made the biggest difference. Together, they discuss how councils and public sector organisations can create more inclusive working environments, improve retention, access a wider talent pool and unlock the strengths that neurodivergent colleagues bring to the workplace.
Alex Manners is an autism and neurodiversity speaker, presenter, author and Asperger’s champion who has delivered motivational and educational talks to organisations across the UK. He is the author of That's Not Right! My Life Living with Asperger’s and The Autistic 92, and is widely recognised for his appearances on Channel 4’s The Undateables. Through honest conversation and practical insights, this episode highlights why neuro-inclusion is not just the right thing to do, but a vital part of building a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.

This episode kicks off our mini-series on 'powers you didn't know you had', about powers that are either unknown, not recognised, or just felt to be too difficult to use, but may offer opportunities to address problems faced by our communities. We talk with Aron Wisdom of Oxfordshire County Council about the Oxford Temporary Congestion Charge, Aron's experience of introducing the charge, and lessons others may draw from this.

Local Government Reorganisation is reshaping the local government landscape across England, creating new authorities, redefining political relationships and raising important questions about how places will be planned, governed and developed in the years ahead.
In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we explore DevComms' new interactive LGR mapping tool and discuss what it reveals about the changing geography of local government. We examine how political leadership, decision-making structures and stakeholder relationships may evolve as new councils emerge, and what this means for developers, investors, communities and public sector partners.
The conversation also explores the practical implications for housing delivery, infrastructure investment, regeneration projects and planning policy. As councils prepare for one of the most significant periods of change in local government for a generation, we consider whether reorganisation will create barriers to progress or unlock new opportunities for growth, collaboration and place-making.

Public service can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also carry a significant emotional burden. Every day, local government employees support vulnerable residents, navigate difficult situations and make decisions that have a profound impact on people's lives.
In this episode, Matt Masters is joined by Anna Syson, Head of Workforce Policy and Wellbeing at Cambridgeshire County Council, to explore how the council is creating safe spaces for colleagues to reflect on the emotional realities of their work through Schwartz Rounds. We discuss what inspired the council to adopt this approach, what has made it successful, why reflection is so important for workforce wellbeing and what other councils can learn from their experience. Together, we explore how creating opportunities for honest conversation can strengthen resilience, connection and compassion across local government.