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PODCASTS

Inside the Local Authority of the Year

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named 'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden.

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named  'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden. 

Mike's career in local government spans almost 40 years - 28 of them at Knowsley. He talks about the culture and achievements that made the council award-winning. Mike will be retiring from his position at the end of 2024, and will be doing so on an incredibly high note!

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO 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 ⁠⁠on Spotify  and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

PODCASTS

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Councils are racing to use AI to cut costs and improve services – but a shortage of skills is holding them back and time is running out. Dan Peters reports.

PODCASTS

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By Liam Young | 15 January 2026

Liam Young looks at the true cost of today’s head roles, arguing that now is the time to establish what leadership now looks like, how it is supported and ho...

PODCASTS

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By Paul Marinko | 14 January 2026

The growing tendency of councils to use ‘out of area’ placements to discharge their housing responsibilities is increasing tension between local authorities....

PODCASTS

Staff left reeling after LGA restructure plans

By Heather Jameson | 08 January 2026

Local Government Association (LGA) staff face pay cuts of up to £30,000 under modernisation plans.