Launching the LGR Initiative: Purpose, Partners & the Path Ahead

About this episode

Matthew Masters discusses the launch of the Local Government Reorganisation Initiative with guests Rowan Cole and Professor Amelia Hadfield.

In this episode, Matthew Masters sits down with Rowan Cole (COALFACE®) and Professor Amelia Hadfield (Centre for Britain and Europe, University of Surrey) to unpack the launch of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Initiative , a new national partnership designed to reshape the future of local government in England. Matt opens the conversation by exploring why the LGR Initiative has emerged now, at a moment when councils face unprecedented financial pressure, public trust is strained, and the sector is searching for a credible path forward. Rowan and Amelia outline how COALFACE® and CBE have joined forces to lead a 100‑day programme combining research, public engagement, and policy development. Together, they walk listeners through the initiative’s core aims : capturing public and sector insight through two major surveys convening workshops with councillors, officers, residents, and community groups producing a 100‑Day Playbook , Engagement Toolkit , and a White Paper culminating in a national launch event at the University of Surrey Matt guides the discussion toward the unique partnership model , highlighting contributions from E.C.F., Commonplace, and Truth About Local…

People in this episode

Host: Matthew Masters

Guests: Rowan Cole, Professor Amelia Hadfield

Topics covered

• Local Government
• Public Engagement
• Policy Development
• Research
• Financial Pressure
• Trust in Government

Keywords

• Local Government Reorganisation
• LGR Initiative
• public trust
• financial pressure
• policy development
• community engagement
• research

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: COALFACE®, Centre for Britain and Europe, University of Surrey, E.C.F., Commonplace, Truth About Local Government

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