Our World is Local with Jack Shaw
In this episode of Our World Is Local, Heather Jameson and Nick Kilby are joined by Jack Shaw from Groundwork for a wide-ranging discussion about the government’s latest Budget, the future of devolution and the growing uncertainty surrounding local government reorganisation.
Heather and Nick begin by reflecting on recent government announcements and the challenges facing councils as reorganisation plans are revised or delayed. They discuss the contrasting approaches emerging in Surrey and question whether the government’s reforms will deliver genuine transformation or simply create new structures.
The conversation turns to the Budget, with Jack examining the government’s increasing focus on fiscal devolution, preventative spending and the redistribution of business rates. He explores the tensions between investing in long-term prevention and meeting immediate financial pressures, particularly in areas such as homelessness and temporary accommodation.
A central theme is the growing influence of mayors and combined authorities. Heather, Nick and Jack consider whether councils risk losing their traditional leadership role as more powers shift towards strategic authorities. They also discuss the skills, expertise and financial resources needed to make devolution successful, alongside the potential implications for economic growth, infrastructure and public service reform.
Local government reorganisation features prominently, with Jack questioning whether the government can deliver its full programme amid political uncertainty, financial constraints and changing local leadership. The discussion also explores the future of the New Towns programme and the need for greater coordination between councils, combined authorities and central government.
The conversation then examines how devolution could strengthen international investment and regional economic development. Jack discusses his work on the Commission on Devolution and Diplomacy, highlighting opportunities for mayors to build international relationships and attract investment. The three also consider the significance of Number 10 North and Manchester’s growing role as a centre of political influence.
The episode concludes with a look ahead to the Spending Review and the wider challenges facing government, including social care, SEND, infrastructure and public finances. Heather, Nick and Jack reflect on whether the current reform agenda can deliver lasting improvements for local communities, or whether financial pressures and political uncertainty will limit the government’s ambitions.
Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes here.
You can listen to the previous episodes on Spotify here and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.
