Our country needs to build more. More houses are required to meet current and rising demand. High streets and town centres need regeneration. Our infrastructure is not keeping pace with the structural requirements of our economy and society.

In this podcast, we delve into new research arguing that the key to unlocking our fraught planning system is to give communities more power and influence to shape local development. What can the councils and the government do to make this happen in time to fulfil Labour's housebuilding goals?

Join New Local's Imran Hashmi and Katy Oglethorpe in conversation, along with appearances from some of the case studies featured in the research - people-led regeneration of empty houses in Grimsby, the UK's first housing co-op for women aged over 50, and the district council giving residents a blank sheet for regeneration. We also speak to Zo Hoida, whose law firm Browne Jacobson supported the research.

As the NHS faces ever-rising demand, its founding principles of being free and universal are under threat.

In our latest report, we propose a solution: a fundamental shift towards a healthcare system focused as much on preventing illness as treating it. Working collaboratively with communities as equal partners in the design and delivery of healthcare.

Report authors Adam Lent and Grace Pollard are interviewed by Katy Oglethorpe about the report's key ideas. And we hear from the people behind innovative schemes at a GP's surgery in Pimlico, and a HIV charity in Manchester. 

Visit www.newlocal.org.uk/nhs for the full report. 

What would happen if we put power where it belonged, in our communities? 

In The Community Paradigm, New Local's Adam Lent and Jessica Studdert made a case for the radical redistribution of power - away from the state and the market - and towards people themselves. The report helped capture a community power movement, that has been gaining momentum in places and public services within the UK. 

Two years on, Adam and Jess introduce a new preface for the Paradigm - reflecting on new context created by the Covid pandemic, and the increased urgency to create sustainable, fairer services. 

The podcast features an interview with the brilliant Mark Pepper - who is at the heart of the community-led regeneration of a Bristol estate.

You can read the updated Community Paradigm report and watch our new animation at www.newlocal.org.uk/communitypower

Music by Aardem 

Over 2 million jobseekers are out of work due to disabilities or health conditions. But every year, only 4% of them move into employment. 

The current DWP-led employment support system is failing them. Meanwhile, local programmes across the UK are giving the sort of personal, trusting, holistic support that allow people to really transform their lives. 

We imagine what employment support would look like if the local areas and service users- and not Whitehall and Westminster- were in charge. And we advise how to make this a reality. 

Presented by policy expert Tom Pollard and New Local's Pawda Tjoa. With interviews with Michelle and Helga from Halifax Opportunities Trust.  

Music by Aardem 

During Covid-19, thousands of spontaneous, voluntary Mutual Aid groups have emerged to support the most vulnerable people in our society. In many cases these groups have been able to help people far more rapidly and flexibly than traditional public services.

In Communities vs Coronavirus: The Rise of Mutual Aid, we explore the impact of this movement, the role of local government in supporting it, and how to sustain this community spirit in future.  

Authors Dr Simon Kaye and Luca Tiratelli present their findings from months of interviews with Mutual Aid groups across the country. We also hear from Dawn Hirons and David Howard - the couple behind the Howden Helpers - a remarkable Mutual Aid project in Yorkshire.  

Music by Aardem