Beyond Growth: Rethinking Health, Wealth and Local Government

Beyond Growth: Rethinking Health, Wealth and Local Government

Author: Matt Masters August 6, 2025 Duration: 18:59

In this episode of Beyond Growth, we speak with Rob Noonan from the University of Chester, whose recent work challenges the dominant economic narrative that growth is always good. Drawing on his 2024 publications, Rob explores how capitalism and the pursuit of extrinsic goals have contributed to poor public health, widening inequalities, and unsustainable futures. We discuss what this means for local government leaders and policymakers: how can councils reframe their goals, shift priorities, and build healthier, fairer communities without relying on endless economic expansion?


Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes at your city hall or county office? Truth about Local Government pulls back the curtain, offering a clear-eyed look at the systems and people that manage our communities every single day. Hosted by seasoned professional Matt Masters, this podcast moves beyond theory to explore the practical, often unspoken realities of public service. Each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by those in the trenches, from budgeting and infrastructure to community engagement and policy implementation. It’s a space dedicated to the growth and development of local government professionals, but it’s equally valuable for any curious citizen who wants to understand how their neighborhood actually functions. You’ll hear candid conversations that blend experience with actionable insights, all aimed at fostering better leadership and more effective governance. Tune in for a straightforward discussion that replaces jargon with clarity and passion, revealing the human impact of decisions made close to home. This is where the abstract becomes concrete, and where dedicated public servants find a resource for honest reflection and professional development.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Truth about Local Government
Podcast Episodes
Policy as the Powerhouse: Why Local Government Runs on Strategy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:36
In this episode, Matt Masters sits down with Richard Cressey, Director of Policy and Strategy at Westminster City Council, to explore the often underappreciated but critical role of policy in local government. Together,…
Planning for Place: Strategic Vision and Policy in Local Government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:51
In this episode we sit down with Graham Nelson, an experienced senior executive in local government and a Chartered Town Planner, to explore the critical role of planning policy and strategic planning in shaping communit…
Vision That Delivers: Andy Algar on Making Development Happen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:41
In this episode, Matthew Masters is joined by Andy Algar to explore the three critical ingredients for crafting a successful vision that leads to real development outcomes. From navigating political realities to building…
Power and Prosperity: Local Investment for Housing and Energy Futures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:12
In this episode, Matthew Masters is joined again by Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to explore two of their latest publications: "New Stable", which examines how reforming the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGP…
The Interim Edge: Staying Relevant in Local Government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:50
In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Olivia Treanor interviews Matt Masters to explore the evolving role of interim professionals and why staying relevant is critical in today’s local government landscape…