In this episode of Our World is Local, hosts Heather Jameson and Nick Kilby, sit down with Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, to unpick the economic narrative emerging from central government — and ask the big question: is there a real plan for growth?

What follows is a candid, wide-ranging conversation that explores the intersection of national economic policy and local delivery. From the Treasury’s tricky fiscal position to the real-world implications of Rachel Reeves’ growth agenda, Paul brings clarity and challenge in equal measure.

This is a conversation for anyone in local government, policy, or public service who’s grappling with how national policy translates on the ground — and what local leaders need to drive meaningful change.

As ever, Paul makes the complex understandable — and reminds us that even in tight fiscal times, clarity of purpose and long-term commitment matter more than ever.

Please note, this episode was recording in January 2025.

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 ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.