Truth about Local Government

This month’s deep dive into local government reorganisation brings a timely and candid conversation with Rowan Cole, Director at Coal Face Engagement, as we unpack the shifting landscape of LGR and what the latest developments really mean for councils, leaders, and local politics.
Rowan joins me to break down what has changed, why the Government has delayed elections, and how this fits with the ambitions originally set out for reorganisation. We explore the contrast between last year’s confident narrative and the more hesitant signals emerging since December, including which parts of the programme have quietly progressed and which have clearly stalled.
We look closely at the election delay:
What exactly has been pushed back
Where the delays are happening
The official explanation
And the real‑world consequences for councils trying to plan, budget, and lead through uncertainty
Rowan offers grounded insight into what these delays say about confidence, pace, grip, and political alignment, and whether LGR still resembles a coherent, settled programme, or something more fluid and reactive.
We close with a forward look at what to watch next, the decisions that will signal whether momentum is returning or further drift is ahead, and how councils can stay prepared in a period where clarity is in short supply.
If you’re navigating LGR, advising on it, or simply trying to understand the shifting dynamics, this episode gives you the context, nuance, and practical read‑across you need.

In this episode of Truth About Local Government, we dive into how the London Borough of Newham is turning its Growth Plan into reality. With a strong focus on inclusive economy, community wealth building, and strategic investment, Newham is shaping a future where growth benefits everyone. Joining me is Darren Mackin, Director of Place-Making at the London Borough of Newham, to share what the council is doing on the ground to deliver this vision, the challenges they face, and how they’re engaging residents in the journey.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) isn’t just about drawing new boundaries it’s about what happens in the first 100 days when governance design, delegation, and political confidence collide with real-world planning decisions. In this episode, we talk to Rowan Cole, Thought Leader on LGR & Founder and Director of COALFACE, about what truly determines whether reorganisation improves planning outcomes. We’ll explore lessons from Dorset, Somerset, and Northumberland, the early warning signs of drift, and why public trust and democratic legitimacy become operational issues. Plus, we’ll dive into The First 100 Days Playbook and how AI could help councils navigate the chaos.

In this episode of Truth About Local Government, I sit down with Averil Price author of The Legacy Coach: Your Next Chapter, Your Legacy, Your Way, available on Amazon. After more than two decades as a Local Authority Director, Averil made the bold transition to running her own consultancy, Avie Consultancy, where she helps public sector leaders navigate career changes, promotions, or retirement while celebrating the impact they’ve made.
We explore the inspiration behind her book, including how a life-changing brain haemorrhage shaped its themes, and dive into what “legacy” really means beyond job titles. Averil shares practical tools from her coaching practice such as journaling and mind mapping to help leaders clarify their next chapter and define their legacy on their own terms.
Whether you’re a senior leader planning your future or simply curious about creating a meaningful professional journey, this conversation is packed with insights on purpose, resilience, and reinvention.
Key Takeaways:
Legacy is about impact and intention, not just roles.
Practical exercises to help leaders reflect and plan their next chapter.
Why journaling and mind mapping can unlock clarity and confidence.
Connect with Averil:
The Legacy Coach is available on Amazon
Learn more about her work at Avie Consultancy and explore coaching opportunities.

In this episode of Truth About Local Government, Matthew Masters speaks with Professor Rafaela Neiva, Professor in Public Sociology at Liverpool Business School and a leading expert in cultural policy and social innovation. Rafaela’s work sits at the intersection of arts, health, and business, shaping strategies that have influenced European Capitals of Culture, improved public health, and driven innovation across sectors. We’ll explore what it truly takes to create a City of Culture, beyond the headlines and branding, looking at the planning, partnerships, and evidence-based approaches that deliver lasting impact for communities and economies.