Thames Valley leaders to pursue devolution deal

Through an expression of interest letter to government, leaders will set out a shared ambition to secure new powers and funding. This would enable local councils to plan and deliver more integrated and effective transport, infrastructure, the right type of housing – with an emphasis on social housing – creating the conditions for faster, more inclusive growth across the region. The MSA will make decisions locally and closer to the communities and businesses affected, with local councils continuing to deliver critical and wider public services for the benefit of all residents.

Councils will debate the expression of interest in their meetings during November and December. If agreed, this will be submitted to government at the end of the year.

If agreed by government, devolution has the potential to unlock up to £18.7 billion for the Thames Valley economy by 2040, generating £7 billion in additional annual tax revenue*, and create new opportunities for residents and businesses.

It will also support coordinated investment of housing, roads and public transport, expand skills and training, and ensure research and innovation translate into jobs and growth across every part of the region.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We have a once in a generation chance to seize the opportunities that public sector reform and devolution offers. A Thames Valley MSA will harness the collective strengths of the region to unlock unparalleled prospects for inclusive and sustainable growth together with coherent regional planning for housing, transport and economic development. It provides a unique opportunity to shape our urban and rural places ensuring lasting benefits for current and future generations.’’

Councillor David Hingley, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “Cherwell fully supports the rationale for a Thames Valley mayoral strategic authority. Devolution done right offers a real opportunity to secure faster investment, provide a strong voice for our area, and drive joined-up decision-making. By working together across the Thames Valley, we can achieve greater impact and long-term benefits for residents and businesses throughout Cherwell, Oxfordshire and the wider region.”

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “The Thames Valley already leads in research and innovation. With the right leadership, powers and funding, we can unlock even more of that potential – creating jobs not only in science and tech, but across logistics, education, hospitality and beyond. London and Manchester have secured major infrastructure improvements through mayoral strategic authorities, particularly in transport. Oxford deserves those same opportunities.”

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “As an ambitious council we are fully supportive of devolution and the opportunities it will provide for West Oxfordshire and the wider region. It will provide us with a great platform to work as partners on key issues such as delivering the homes our communities need, tackling the climate emergency, boosting our economy and improving infrastructure. We would encourage government to consider our proposal quickly and support us in delivering a new mayoral strategic authority in line with the LGR timeline.”

Councillor David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “The Thames Valley makes good sense for a strategic authority. It is a thriving economic region and it’s important to combine communities that identify closely and have complementing strengths and opportunities. Oxfordshire and Berkshire have a long and overlapping history that would provide a robust foundation for what comes next.”

Councillor Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: "In Oxfordshire, we've been positive and proactive in ensuring local government reorganisation happens quickly and in a way that benefits our communities - it would help realise those benefits if the strategic authority was delivered on the same timeline to help give clarity and confidence to our communities, local businesses and potential investors." 

The Thames Valley MSA will be designed to speed up delivery, attract investment and strengthen one of the UK’s most productive and innovative regional economies. The ambition is for a strategic growth partner for neighbouring authorities where joint working will be beneficial, for example related to the Oxford - Cambridge corridor.

Discussions on a Thames Valley MSA have included local authorities in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon – no decisions have been made.

Following council decisions on the submission of the expression of interest, and subject to ongoing discussions with government, detailed proposals will then be developed in the coming months for consideration by local councils and partners.

For further information visit reading.gov.uk/devolution.