In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, I sit down with Keith Burge veteran economic strategist and place-based development expert to unpack the complex machinery behind local economic development in the UK.

We explore how national ambitions are translated into meaningful local outcomes, drawing on Keith’s extensive experience in regions like Tees Valley, West of England, and North Tyne. From evaluating employability projects and appraising funding bids to crafting local economic strategies and impact assessments, Keith shares insights into what makes local plans effective and what often gets lost in translation.

Topics include:

• How combined authorities assess funding bids for strategic alignment
• The role of impact assessments in job creation, employability, and environmental outcomes
• Lessons from evaluating major programmes like the Tees Valley Festival
• Writing local economic strategies sometimes ahead of national policy
• Collaborating with local authorities, universities, NHS, and other key partners

Whether you're a policymaker, practitioner, or just curious about how public money is turned into local progress, this episode offers a grounded, expert view on what works and what doesn’t in place-based economic development.