Independent councillors face unique pressures: high visibility, low structural support, and emotionally demanding community roles. This guide explores what resilience really means for independents, how to assess your strengths and vulnerabilities, and evidence‑based strategies to stay effective, grounded, and sustainable. Strengthen your resilience to lead with clarity, purpose, and long‑term impact.

Discover why governance, not structural reorganisation, will define the future of local government. Explore how strategic powers, devolution deals, and funding leverage in areas like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands unlock billions for housing, transport, and growth. Learn why democratic legitimacy, clear accountability, and integrated systems matter more than maps and mergers in shaping the next decade.

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.