Digital transformation in local government is more than technology. It is a leadership challenge that demands bold thinking, inclusive design, and strategic vision. Directors of Technology must lead change that improves lives, from tackling legacy systems and building cyber resilience to driving data-led decisions and digital inclusion. With public expectations rising and satisfaction falling, the sector needs visionary leaders now more than ever.

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, Councillor John Merry CBE shares how cities can lead the charge in meeting the UK’s target of 1.5 million new homes. From the transformation of Salford Quays to the role of Key Cities, John emphasises the need for public-private partnerships, planning certainty, and building communities not just homes. “We need to build the infrastructure… not just properties in an empty field.”

Cathy Palmer, Director of Regeneration Delivery at Walker Sime, joins the Truth About Local Government podcast to explore why some masterplans succeed while others fail. Drawing on her experience in both local government and consultancy, Cathy highlights the importance of early-stage alignment, strong governance, realistic funding, and community engagement. She shares lessons from projects like Birkenhead 2040 and Bolton, offering practical insights for regeneration leaders.

In local government, change is constant, but grief is often ignored. Whether it’s a council merger, a building closure, or leadership transition, emotional loss must be acknowledged. Without space to say goodbye, staff and communities struggle to embrace the future. This blog explores why grief matters, how to support transitions, and why emotionally intelligent leadership is key to sustainable change.

Warwickshire County Council has quietly delivered one of the UK’s most successful local rail transformations, five new stations, one million journeys a year, and a strategic role in shaping regional services. From bold vision to technical delivery, their story is a blueprint for councils nationwide. As Mark Ryder puts it: “Success breeds success. If you can take that into new organisations, you unlock even greater potential.”

Local government reorganisation is complex, but it’s also a chance to build smarter, more unified digital foundations. Success starts with a clear baseline: understanding your systems, risks, and opportunities. At RPNA, we offer a rapid, evidence-based approach to help councils define their “North Star” and build a practical roadmap for transformation. Thank you to Ashley Roper for his contribution on this important topic.

West Northamptonshire’s LGR journey is not just a story of structural change it’s a story of cultural alignment, operational resilience, and strategic clarity. What emerged from the OPUS People Solutions event was a powerful narrative of how a newly formed council can move from fragmentation to cohesion, and from uncertainty to confidence.

Stepping into the Head of Planning role is both a privilege and a challenge. In 2025, planning departments face high application volumes, recruitment struggles, and low public trust. This blog offers practical, anonymous advice from experienced leaders covering strategic leadership, emotional intelligence, and operational efficiency. A must-read for those shaping places and leading planning services with purpose.

This blog offers practical, experience-based advice for new and aspiring Directors of Place in UK local government. Drawing on sector insights and anonymous reflections from seasoned leaders, it explores strategic leadership, relationship-building, cross-directorate collaboration, and the importance of bold decision-making amid financial and structural reform. Readers are invited to share their own tips via info@truthaboutlocalgovernment.com.

Stepping into the role of a Section 151 Officer is one of the most significant transitions in local government. Drawing on insights from experienced S151s across the UK, this guide shares five timely lessons to help new and aspiring officers navigate political complexity, build resilience, and lead with confidence. It’s not a checklist it’s a companion for one of the most critical roles in public service.

In a time of rising demand, shrinking budgets, and workforce shortages, local government finance directors face a new challenge: building resilient teams that can thrive under pressure. This blog explores how to recruit, retain, and empower finance professionals, not just to survive the storm, but to lead through it.

Local government is facing storm after storm, from broken funding models to political upheaval and digital hostility. But like the bison, the only animal that runs into the storm, we must face these challenges head-on. This is not the time for passivity. It’s time to lead with courage, clarity, and collective purpose. Be the bison. Run towards the storm. That’s where transformation begins.

Warwickshire’s Skills Hub is a leading example of how local government can drive inclusive, future-ready growth. Through strategic partnerships, tailored business support, and a focus on SEND and neurodiverse employment, the Hub has grown from a £100k initiative to a £14m operation. Its success offers practical lessons for councils navigating reorganisation and devolution, showing how to build a resilient, skilled local workforce.

In an era marked by polarising global events, rising misinformation, and deepening social divides, local government faces a profound and...

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The debate over whether to insource  or outsource local government services is as old as the sector itself. From the wave of outsourcing...