Truth about Local Government

In this episode, we sit down with Huw Russell, a Director in the Climate team at Local Partnerships LLP, and Liz Vango, Sustainability and Climate Change Officer at Hart District Council, to explore the pivotal role of local councils in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We'll discuss how councils, including Hart District Council, are leveraging free tools, jointly delivered to you by the Local Government Association and Local Partnerships. You can find the tools on the Local Partnerships website to identify and target sources of emissions. The tools are free thanks to funding from the Local Government Association and the Crown Commercial Service. This proactive approach helps councils respond effectively to their Climate Emergency declarations and move closer to their net zero targets. Join us as we delve into the strategies, successes, and challenges faced by local councils in the fight against climate change.

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Amanda Hopgood, the Leader of Durham County Council, to discuss the transformative journey of the North East Combined Authority (NECA). Formed on May 7, 2024, the NECA aims to harness the full potential of the region by fostering collaboration among its seven local authority areas: County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland.Key Highlights:Vision and Goals: Amanda outlines the NECA’s vision to create a better quality of life by connecting communities, enhancing skills, and improving overall wellbeing. The authority’s mission is to make the North East an outstanding place to live, work, visit, and invest.Cultural Identity: As the lead on culture, creative, tourism, and sport, Amanda emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of County Durham. She discusses initiatives aimed at boosting tourism and supporting local creative industries.Economic Development: The episode delves into the economic strategies being implemented to attract investment and create well-paid jobs across the region. Amanda shares insights on how the NECA plans to tackle challenges such as child poverty and unemployment.Community Engagement: Amanda highlights the significance of community involvement in shaping the future of the North East. She talks about various projects and public meetings designed to give residents a voice in the decision-making process.Join us for an inspiring conversation that sheds light on the collaborative efforts driving the North East towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Paula Braynion, Managing Director & Samantha-Jo Scarbrough-Lang, Assistant Director Of Operations at Director of Future Directions CIC, to discuss the groundbreaking shift towards outcome-based procurement in social care. Paula shares her extensive experience and expertise, shedding light on why focusing on outcomes rather than hours of service can lead to more meaningful and effective care.Key Topics Covered:Introduction to Outcome-Based Procurement: Paula explains the concept and its significance in the social care sector.Benefits Over Traditional Models: How this approach improves the quality of care and enhances the lives of service users.Real-World Applications: Success stories from Future Directions CIC and other organizations that have adopted this model.Challenges and Solutions: Addressing the obstacles faced during the transition and strategies to overcome them.Future Vision: Paula’s insights on the future of social care and how outcome-based procurement can drive positive change.Join us for a compelling conversation that explores how we can revolutionize social care by prioritising outcomes over hours, ensuring that every individual receives the support they truly need.

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to explore the findings of their latest report, "Restoration and Resilience: Building Capacity and Capability to Deliver Local Services in the South East." Despite its reputation for prosperity, the South East of England faces significant challenges in local governance, including financial strain, workforce shortages, and fragmented governance.Joe discusses the critical need for strategic capacity building, collaborative governance, and tailored devolution to address these issues. We delve into the importance of empowering local authorities with enhanced fiscal powers, data-driven decision-making capabilities, and robust partnerships to foster resilience and sustainable service delivery.Join us as we uncover the strategies and recommendations that can transform the South East into a model of sustainable and equitable governance, ensuring it remains a vital economic engine for the UK. This episode is a must-listen for policymakers, local government officials, and anyone interested in the future of public service delivery.Tune in to gain insights on how to build a resilient and capable local government system that can meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.