Local Power, National Mission: Are Councils Equipped to Deliver Economic Growth?

Local Power, National Mission: Are Councils Equipped to Deliver Economic Growth?

Author: Matt Masters October 21, 2025 Duration: 20:24

In this episode we speak with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to explore the reality behind the government’s rhetoric on locally-led economic growth. With devolution deals, investment zones, and levelling-up funding all pointing to a place-based approach, are councils truly equipped financially, structurally, and strategically to deliver? Joe shares insights from Localis research, highlighting the gaps between ambition and capability, and offers a candid assessment of what needs to change for local government to become a genuine engine of national prosperity.


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
Taking Control of Your Money – A Neurodivergent Perspective [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Matthew Masters speaks with Esther Bangura, a Neurodivergent Money Coaching expert, about a topic rarely explored openly in the public sector, our relationship with mo…
Early Help, Real Lives: Why Children Still Fall Between the Gaps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this episode of Truth About Local Government, Matthew Masters speaks with Natashia Leader, Founder and CEO of BrightPaths Support CIC, about why so many children and young people still struggle to access the right emo…
Upstream by Design: The Corporate Role in Making Prevention Real [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:51
In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Matt Masters is joined by Simon Higgins to explore why local government must focus on prevention, and why corporate services have a critical and often underestimated,…
ABCD & Beyond: What Local Government Needs Next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:32
In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we explore a bold new resource reshaping how councils think about community development: ABCD & Beyond: A Practical Guide for Local Government.Matt is joined by two of…
Managing Conflicting Needs between Neurodivergent Colleagues [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:15
In this episode, Matt sits down with Parul Singh, Founder of Parallel Minds, a neurodiversity consultancy shaping a more inclusive future for people working in tech and digital roles. Parul brings a rare combination of p…