Setting Ambition in Local Government Reorganisation: A Conversation with Jon Ainger
In this episode, we sit down with Jon Ainger, Executive Director at IMPOWER, to explore the bold ambitions that can and should be set when creating new organisations through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). With over two decades of experience in public service reform, Jon shares insights into how councils can move beyond structural change to deliver real transformation. We discuss the role of behavioural science, the EDGEWORK methodology, and what it takes to build resilient, future-ready public services.
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19:55
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19:55
Smarter Outcomes: Rethinking Value in Local Government
In this episode of Smarter Outcomes, we sit down with Jon Ainger, Executive Director at IMPOWER, to explore a transformative idea in public service delivery: achieving better outcomes at lower cost. With local governments facing increasing pressure to do more with less, Jon shares insights from IMPOWER’s work across the UK, highlighting innovative approaches, behavioural science, and strategic partnerships that are reshaping how services are designed and delivered. We’ll unpack what “value” really means in the public sector, and how leaders can shift from cost-cutting to outcome-focused investment.
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21:30
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21:30
Power, Place & Purpose: JP Spencer on Devolution, Mayors, and Rebalancing Britain
In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, I sit down with JP Spencer, Director of Devolution Policy at Labour Together, to explore the evolving landscape of devolution, mayoral leadership, and regional rebalancing in the UK.We unpack what meaningful devolution really looks like, the role of directly elected mayors in shaping local identity and accountability, and how Labour’s vision for local government could shift the balance of power across the country.Whether you're a council leader, policy thinker, or simply passionate about the future of local democracy this conversation offers sharp insights and bold ideas for what comes next.
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20:36
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20:36
Beyond Safe and Legal: Rethinking Local Government Reorganisation
In this episode, Matthew Masters speaks with Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU, to unpack the deeper truths behind Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Too often, LGR is treated as a technical exercise, focused on safely and legally creating new councils. But what if we saw it as a rare opportunity to truly transform how local democracy works?Jonathan challenges the status quo, arguing that simply replicating old systems in new structures is like rearranging deck chairs on a sinking ship. Instead, we must ask: Why are we doing this? And more importantly, how can we do it better?Together, they explore:The real purpose behind LGR and why “because central government said so” isn’t enough.How to seize the blank page moment to deliver better services, stronger democracy, and financial sustainability.What true transformation looks like and the barriers we must overcome to get there.
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19:57
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19:57
The Cost of Cuts, The Power of Innovation: A Council Leader’s Response to Crisis
In this episode, we sit down with Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, at a time when local government funding is under intense scrutiny. With councils across the country facing deep financial pressures Kensington and Chelsea among them Cllr Campbell has been a vocal critic of the Government’s proposed funding reforms, which she argues unfairly penalize London boroughs.Amid these challenges, the Council has launched a groundbreaking £100 million initiative to use pension fund investment to purchase up to 250 homes for homeless families an unprecedented move in the UK. We explore how this bold strategy not only addresses the homelessness crisis but also redefines how councils can use their resources to deliver long-term social impact.
UK