Episode 17: Devolution; from Beveridge to Burnham

Episode 17: Devolution; from Beveridge to Burnham

In this episode, Marcus and Michael continue their focus on issues and trends impacting the local government sector, including rising local government debt levels, the Government’s plans for Mayoral Development Zones, and what the Makerfield by-election may signal for the UK’s changing political landscape. They then turn their attention to one of the defining reforms of modern local government: devolution. The discussion explores how powers are shifting away from Whitehall, what successful devolution looks like in practice, and the opportunities, and challenges, it presents for places across England. In true Star Chamber fashion, the episode concludes with an historical detour into the origins of the modern welfare state. Marcus and Michael revisit the Beveridge Report, the famous Five Giants, and the ideas that continue to shape public services more than eighty years later.

Episode 16: From Cinque Ports to Freeports (with Stuart Rimmer and Alison Young, Thames Freeport)

In this episode, Marcus and Michael are joined by Stuart Rimmer and Alison Young from Thames Freeport for a wide-ranging discussion on one of the UK’s most significant economic growth initiatives. The conversation explores the role of Freeports in driving investment, trade, innovation and regeneration, and examines how Thames Freeport is seeking to create long-term economic value across one of the country’s most important industrial and logistics corridors. Alongside a deep dive into the Freeports agenda, the episode also reflects on the aftermath of the recent local elections, considering what the results may mean for local government leadership, devolution, economic growth and place-based investment. The episode concludes with an idiosyncratic journey into the history of the Cinque Ports, exploring what a medieval network of coastal towns can still teach us about trade, governance and economic power today.

Episode 15: UKREiiF Special (with Nathan Spencer - Managing Director, UKREiiF)

In this special episode, Michael and I are joined by Nathan Spencer, Managing Director of UKREiiF, for a discussion recorded live at the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum in Leeds. Together, we explore how UKREiiF has evolved into one of the key gathering points for conversations around investment, regeneration, infrastructure and place leadership, and what this says about the changing priorities of local government and the wider market. The discussion covers: * The dominant themes emerging from UKREiiF 2026 * Investor appetite versus delivery reality * The growing importance of infrastructure, energy and digital capacity * The emerging focus on AI, data centres and digitally-enabled places * The increasing prominence of social infrastructure, including housing, health and stadium-led regeneration * A look ahead at what themes may shape UKREiiF 2027 The episode also explores what makes places genuinely investible in today’s market, from political leadership and governance, to certainty, delivery capability and long-term vision. We’re grateful to Nathan for taking the time to join us during what is undoubtedly one of the busiest weeks in the sector calendar. We’re already looking forward to next year’s gathering.

Episode 14: The Polls and The Plague (with Paul Harrison, ex Press Secretary to the Prime Minister)

This week, Marcus and Michael are joined by special guest Paul Harrison, former adviser to the Prime Minister and now of Lexington Communications, for a deep dive into the 2026 local election results and what they really mean for local government. Drawing on his experience operating at the heart of Government in Number 10, Paul explores: • The changing political landscape across English councils • What the results may signal for devolution, LGR and local leadership • The relationship between central and local government, and the potential implications of looming by-elections Alongside the elections discussion, the episode also covers: • The NAO’s new productivity-focused work • The House of Lords review into devolution • And, in true Star Chamber fashion, an idiosyncratic journey into the surprising links between council tax… and the bubonic plague A wide-ranging conversation on politics, policy and the future direction of local government.

Episode 13: Hear Ye, Hear Ye…. AI is Coming!

In this episode of The Star Chamber Podcast, Marcus and Michael reflect on the latest developments shaping local government. Along with an overview on key news topics ranging from New Towns to Best Value Commissioners, their deep dive explores the rise of AI Growth Zones — what they are, why they’re being proposed, and what they mean for local authorities. From the energy and infrastructure constraints of data centres, to questions of local benefit and incentive, they consider whether councils are positioned to lead the next wave of digital infrastructure. Finally, in their idiosyncrasy, you’ll find out why Michael opted for recording in a tricorn hat.