The Local Authority Podcast

One of the government’s first acts on coming to power in July was to launch a consultation on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework in a bid to deliver its ambition of 370,000 homes a year over the course of this parliament.   Proposed changes include a new methodology for housing targets, a move towards more strategic planning and a revised definition of the green belt.   In this episode of The Local Authority we explore whether the proposals will have the desired effect – and what else needs to change to deliver the homes the country needs.   LGC editor Sarah Calkin is joined by: Ann Carruthers, president of the Association of directors of environment, planning and transport and  director of environment and transport for Leicestershire CC Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council and a member of the LGA’s local infrastructure and net zero board Hugh Ellis, director of policy at the town and country planning association

This episode is sponsored by Brightwood. Brightwood Capital is a $6 billion private credit firm that specialises in providing customised senior debt capital to sponsored and non-sponsored U.S. businesses in five core industries within the middle market.  This episode was recorded live at the LGC Investment and Pensions Summit which was held between 11-13 September 2024 in Birmingham. Joining Martin George, deputy editor of Local Government Chronicle, are: Sengal Selassie, CEO and founder of Brightwood Capital Advisors Mike O'Donnell, former CEO of London CIV Jo Kempton, head of Lincolnshire Pension Fund Together they discuss the implications of the new UK Government, an upcoming U.S presidential election, and the potential for pension fund/pool mergers, structural change, UK-focused investment, and more. Find out more about the event at investmentsummit.lgcplus.com Read LGC's investment content at lgcplus.com/investment

Continually looking for savings and efficiencies in the quest to balance the books has become a way of life for local authorities. But striking the balance between achieving savings in the short term without storing up more problems for the future is challenging and can require political and managerial bravery. In this episode of The Local Authority LGC, in association with Impower, explores what good savings look like and how councils can deliver more of them. LGC editor Sarah Calkin is joined by: Martin Reeves, chief executive, Oxfordshire CC Mark Smith, director of public service reform, Gateshead MBC Ebony Hughes, chief operating officer, Impower

BONUS: This episode is from the LGC Investment Series Podcast which brings you exclusive content from our LGPS focused event series. In this episode, deputy editor of Local Government Chronicle Martin George is joined by is Phil Triggs, Tri-Borough Director of Treasury and Pensions at Westminster City Council, and Jo Donnelly, Secretary to the Scheme Advisory Board. The group discuss what the landslide Labour general election of 2024 means for the LGPS. To find out more about the event, sponsorship, or attendance, visit  https://lgcpensioninsight.lgcplus.com/2024/en/page/home For news, features and events regarding the LGPS visit: https://lgcplus.com/investment Normal episodes of The Local Authority will resume soon. We hope you enjoy this bonus episode.