The Local Authority Podcast

In this special episode of The Local Authority, LGC’s editorial team review the biggest stories of the year and look ahead to what might be dominating local government headlines in 2026. Following a huge year for the sector, LGC editor Sarah Calkin, deputy editor Martin George, head of content Kirsty Weakley and chief reporter Caitlin Webb discuss topics including the rise of Reform, Send and what next year’s elections might mean for councils across the country.  Plus ministerial changes in MHCLG and why one council leader refused to wear Steve Reed's bucket hats. 

In this episode of The Local Authority podcast, LGC’s head of content Kirsty Weakley is joined by Alan Clark (Barnet LBC), Kevin Fox (Capita) and Helen Barnard (Trussell Trust) to explore how councils can approach aged debt collection in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. With billions owed in council tax and business rates, collection is critical to funding public services, while the reality that many residents in arrears are already in severe financial hardship. Together the panel discuss the ways in which collection can be a more compassionate exercise, utilising technology, data, and a person-centred approach to improve efficiency and fairness. This episode is sponsored by Capita: "Capita helps councils recover aged debt in a way that’s fair, ethical, and effective—so you can protect vulnerable residents while funding vital public services. Discover how our digital and AI-driven solutions make debt recovery smarter and more compassionate. Learn more at content.capita.com/aged-debt"

Almost a fifth of pupils are now classed as having special educational needs but under the current system parents feel they have to fight to get support for their child. Meanwhile councils are being pushed to the brink of bankruptcy by the costs of provision. With the government promising to set out reforms in a schools white paper this autumn, this episode of The Local Authority explores what needs to happen to make sustainable services that work for families. Joining LGC editor Sarah Calkin to discuss this topic are Rachael Wardell, Surrey CC director of children’s services and president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, Susan Parsonage, chief executive of Wokingham BC and Solace spokesperson on Send, and William Burns, social care policy advisor at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy.

The role of councillors has never been more important, with local government reorganisation set to reduce their number while ministers aim to enhance their role in their communities. But there are concerns that council chambers do not reflect local populations, potential candidates are being put off from standing, and good councillors are not standing for re-election. As LGC launches its Councillors for the 21st Century campaign, Andrew Ferrier, chief executive of Test Valley BC, Catherine Mangan, professor of public management and leadership at the Institute of Local Government Studies at the University of Birmingham, and Ryan Jude, a cabinet member at Westminster City Council, discuss the barriers councillors face, and how to overcome them. This episode was recorded live at Stronger Things 2025.

This episode is sponsored by Downing. Downing is a responsible investment manager with nearly a billion pounds of assets under management in renewable energy and infrastructure. This episode was recorded live at the LGC Investment Seminar which was held between 27-28 March 2025 in Carden Park, Cheshire. Joining Martin George, deputy editor of Local Government Chronicle, are: Tom Williams, head of energy and infrastructure at Downing Laura Colliss, pension fund manager at North East Scotland Pension Fund Together they discuss the investment opportunities for the Local Government Pension Scheme to invest in the energy transition ahead of key milestones in 2030 and 2050, the role of Great British Energy and how the LGPS can work with it, and how LGPS funds can use these opportunities to achieve a local impact in their area. Find out more about the event at investmentseminar.lgcplus.com/ Read LGC's investment content at lgcplus.com/investment