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.

Local government reorganisation isn’t the wrong idea it’s happening in the wrong order. Councils face financial collapse due to four broken systems: children’s social care, SEND, temporary accommodation, and adult social care. This blog argues that structural reform must follow service reform, not precede it. Fix the leaks before reshaping the bath. Discover why sustainability depends on repairing what’s draining local government dry.

Discover how UK local government officers and councillors can effectively handle angry residents. Explore causes of public frustration, rising abuse trends, and best practice strategies including SHIELD principles, complaint handling, safeguarding policies, and resilience training. Learn how councils can foster a culture of safety and support while protecting democratic engagement.

Local councils face major recruitment challenges, yet millions in apprenticeship levy funds go unspent. This blog urges councils to treat apprenticeships as strategic workforce tools, not compliance tasks. It outlines how to overcome barriers, align standards with roles, and embed apprenticeships into planning. With a 24-month expiry on levy funds, councils must act fast to unlock talent, boost retention, and support inclusive growth.

Discover how local government can make training stick using the COM-B model. Learn why £42bn in workforce development often fails to drive behaviour change, and how capability, opportunity, and motivation must align. Explore practical strategies for embedding learning, measuring success, and creating a culture of continuous improvement. Featuring insights from Kevan Collier and the Truth About Local Government podcast.

Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, shares bold insights on local power, SEND reform, and regeneration in The Truth About Local Government podcast. She champions grassroots democracy, town centre housing, and financial discipline amid a £180m SEND deficit. Earl’s leadership focuses on restoring trust, delivering value for residents, and creating inclusive communities through governance reform and strategic investment.

Interim officers in local government face high-pressure roles with limited time to deliver results. This guide from The Truth About Local Government explores how interims can build lasting legacies and prove their impact through sustainable systems, talent development, strategic alignment, and measurable outcomes. Learn how to leave behind more than fixes: leave behind momentum, credibility, and change that lasts.

Discover what 400 senior local government officers say are the most valued and most damaging traits in interim professionals heading into 2026. This thought leadership piece explores emerging trends, behavioural expectations, and practical advice for contractors seeking to lead with impact, build legacy, and thrive in high-pressure environments. Essential reading for interims working in UK councils.

Neurodivergent professionals are underrepresented in UK boardrooms despite comprising 15–20% of the population. Boards miss out on strategic thinkers with unique strengths in governance, risk, and innovation. Inclusive NED recruitment boosts performance diverse boards deliver better decisions, more innovation, and stronger oversight. Neurodiversity isn’t just inclusive it’s transformative. Discover how to unlock boardroom potential through inclusive practices.

Local government faces a workforce crisis, with nearly half of staff over 50 and under 5% aged 16–24. Apprenticeships offer a strategic solution to bridge the age gap, boost retention, and build future leaders. This blog explores how councils can maximise the Apprenticeship Levy, create impactful programmes, and highlights the Truth About Local Government Apprenticeship Accelerator, a bold initiative to transform talent pipelines and public service delivery.

Growth for growth’s sake isn’t enough. Councils must ask: What does success look like for our residents? By defining a local vision, investing in core services, and engaging communities meaningfully, local authorities can lead the way in shaping places that thrive economically and socially. Senior officers and elected Members can find inspiration in Localis’ research. For deeper insight, connect with Joe Fyans directly.

Thinking of moving from central to local government? Discover how policy professionals can successfully transition into council leadership roles. Learn the key differences in culture, pace, and accountability, and explore practical tips for adapting your leadership style, building relationships, and understanding local context. Featuring success stories from Leeds, Guildford & Waverley, and the North East Combined Authority. Make the leap and lead with impact.

The SEND White Paper is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset a system that has failed too many for too long. It must be more than a policy refresh, it must be a bold, values-driven transformation. This is a call to act with courage, challenge outdated systems, and build a future where every child with SEND is supported to thrive. Let this be the moment we chose to be bold, to lead with purpose, and to deliver the change children and families both need and deserve.

Thinking of leaving your local government role? This guide helps officers evaluate when it’s time to move on, how to take emotion out of the decision, and how to clarify career motivations. Explore values alignment, impact, growth, and wellbeing through a decision matrix. Whether you stay or go, make the choice with clarity and purpose. The sector needs energised leaders, not just loyal ones.