Local government recruitment is broken, plagued by high agency spend, fragmented supply chains, and interim-heavy teams. Councils need a strategic partner to track spend, reduce off-contract costs, and support permanent recruitment. While NSPs offer breadth, only values-led MSPs deliver speed, quality, and transformation. Discover why MSPs like OPUS and Reed are reshaping recruitment in local authorities.

As Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares her first Autumn Budget, the Local Government Association (LGA) warns of a £2.3bn funding gap in 2025/26, rising to £3.9bn in 2026/27. Councils face impossible choices without urgent support. This blog explores the LGA’s proposals, whether Reeves will act, and the consequences of inaction. Will she reset the relationship with local government or risk deepening the crisis in public services?

Incremental governance creep is a hidden risk in UK local government, where small compromises erode transparency, accountability, and public trust. In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Matt Masters interviews Kirsty Hunt from South East Employers to explore warning signs, prevention strategies, and examples of councils like Brent, Essex, and Burnley that have strengthened governance through councillor development, external reviews, and cultural reform.

Jonathan Stephenson, Chief Executive of Brentwood and Rochford Councils, shares key lessons on transformation in local government. From values-led leadership and strategic digital reform to evidence-based reorganisation and sector-wide collaboration, his approach offers a blueprint for change. As councils face rising agency costs and structural reform, Stephenson reminds us: transformation is cultural, not just structural. “We’re not just building councils. We’re building com

Local councils face a delicate balance between driving economic growth and maintaining fiscal prudence. With billions committed to regeneration and new institutions like the National Wealth Fund, opportunities abound. Yet Section 151 officers must navigate the Prudential Framework while enabling long-term investment. Strategic authorities and digital integration offer solutions, but capacity and governance challenges remain.

Discover how local government officers and councillors can thrive as working parents. This article explores flexible working, inclusive parental leave, cultural change, and practical support from councils and colleagues. Featuring UK statistics, case studies, and tools to measure success, it offers a roadmap for creating family-friendly workplaces in the public sector. A must-read for HR leaders, managers, and policymakers.

Explore the 2025 Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and uncover the stark realities of inequality across England. This blog analyses key data insights, highlights persistent regional disparities, and calls for targeted local investment, national policy reform, and cross-sector collaboration. A must-read for local government leaders, policymakers, and advocates seeking to tackle entrenched deprivation and drive meaningful change.

SEND transport costs in England have surged to £2.3 billion, with councils struggling to meet rising demand. This blog explores the National Audit Office’s findings, real-life family experiences, and urgent reforms needed to make SEND school transport sustainable, inclusive, and fit for purpose. Featuring quotes from parents, council leaders, and sector experts, it highlights the human impact and policy solutions to support children with special educational needs.

Discover how independent councillors are reshaping local government in the UK. Free from party politics, they offer authentic, community-first leadership. Learn about their rise, challenges, influence, and how the LGA supports them. Featuring insights from Cllr Hannah Dalton, this blog explores the power of non-party politics and why independence is a strength in modern local democracy.

Restructuring in UK local government is inevitable but it doesn’t have to be harmful. This practical guide explores how to lead departmental restructures with clarity, compassion, and purpose. Learn how to engage staff early, rebuild culture, measure success, and foster psychological safety. Featuring real-life case studies, tools for change champions, and insights from Truth About Local Government research, this is essential reading for public sector leaders driving change.

Commissioner intervention in UK local government is costly and controversial. This article explores who pays, whether the expense is justified, and if it’s the most effective method of supporting failing councils. Drawing on examples from Birmingham, Woking, Rotherham, and Tower Hamlets, it compares commissioner-led recovery with sector-led improvement and peer review models. A must-read for officers and members seeking insight into governance, accountability, and value for m

Discover how Dudley Council transformed Halesowen Leisure Centre into a thriving Family Hub Spoke, integrating Start for Life and early help services into a trusted community space. This innovative co-location model reduces stigma, boosts engagement, and supports whole-family wellbeing. Learn how leisure centres can act as community anchors, enabling joined-up working and flexible service delivery. A replicable model for local authorities seeking inclusive, place-based family

Discover how inclusive governance can unlock the leadership potential of neurodivergent professionals in UK local government and LATCOs. Explore insights from executive coach Sara Harrup, practical strategies for board chairs and chief executives, and the legal and cultural shifts needed to support autistic, ADHD, dyslexic and other neurodivergent leaders. Learn how training, structure and psychological safety drive performance and retention.

Discover how Oldham Council, under the leadership of Cllr Arooj Shah, is driving rapid transformation through values-led civic leadership, bold regeneration, and compassionate public service. From the fastest-improving children’s services in England to £100m town centre investment, Oldham is rising with purpose, pride, and people at its heart. Learn how resilience, authenticity, and visible progress are reshaping this vibrant borough.

Rochford District Council is leading transformation under Cllr Danielle Belton, championing member-led leadership, inclusive governance, and community empowerment. From protecting the Greenbelt and supporting local businesses to navigating Local Government Reorganisation with record-breaking consultation, Rochford offers a bold, resident-focused model. Discover how strategic clarity and local identity are shaping a resilient future for this Essex district.

BCP Council’s refugee resettlement model offers a replicable, trauma-informed approach to preventing homelessness among refugees and asylum seekers. By integrating housing, health, social care, and voluntary sector support, the multi-disciplinary team has reduced rough sleeping, minimised temporary accommodation use, and enabled rapid move-on to settled housing. With lived experience at its core, BCP’s strategy is now recognised nationally as best practice.

Surrey is the first domino in England’s local government reorganisation strategy. The UK Government has confirmed the abolition of Surrey’s two-tier system by April 2027, replacing it with two new unitary councils and a directly elected mayor. This move signals a national shift toward fewer, larger councils. The reorganisation aims to streamline services, resolve financial issues like Woking’s debt, and accelerate housing and infrastructure delivery across the county.

Awaab’s Law sets strict housing safety standards, but UK councils face major challenges in implementation. This article explores the cost implications, staffing and contractor shortages, and rising demand for temporary accommodation. Featuring real council case studies, it highlights the urgent need for strategic investment and collaboration to meet legal obligations and protect tenants.

Antisocial behaviour (ASB) continues to place significant pressure on local authority services, particularly where incidents are concentrated among a small number of households. ASB encompasses a wide range of disruptive and harmful activities from vandalism and intimidation to noise complaints, substance misuse, and aggressive begging. These behaviours often reflect deeper social challenges such as poverty, trauma, mental health issues, and intergenerational disadvantage. In

Discover how Somerset Council’s updated Target Operating Model (TOM) offers a bold, values-led framework for transformation in local government. Learn key lessons from its five strategic themes people, digital, service design, data, and governance and compare with Cornwall Council’s commissioning-led TOM. Ideal for councils facing reorganisation or seeking to optimise operations. A practical roadmap for change, culture, and innovation.