West Oxfordshire welcomes progress on Thames Valley devolution deal
West Oxfordshire District Council has welcomed unanimous agreement among council leaders to accept in principle the Government's offer and progress proposals for a new Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon, which could bring significant new powers and investment to the region.
It follows a long period of collaboration between councils across the region, working together to unlock opportunities for economic growth, infrastructure and investment.
A new strategic authority could give local leaders greater control over funding and decisions on transport, housing, skills and employment, helping to deliver improvements for local communities.
Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said:
"I'm delighted that we've reached unanimous agreement to move forward with these proposals. It's been a long road to get here, and the progress we've made shows what can be achieved when councils work together with a shared ambition for our communities.
"For West Oxfordshire, this is an opportunity to take a more joined-up approach to infrastructure and investment across the region. Too often in the past, decisions about housing, transport and other infrastructure have been made separately, rather than as part of a wider plan. Devolution could help us bring these things together, plan more strategically and make sure growth delivers real benefits for local people.
"We also recognise the importance of aligning the new authority with existing public services, particularly across health, policing and fire and rescue. We believe Buckinghamshire should be brought into the arrangements as soon as possible to help strengthen those existing partnerships.
"Above all, it's important that West Oxfordshire has a strong voice as these plans develop, and that our towns, villages and rural communities share in the opportunities this could bring."
The detailed proposals will be developed further and brought back to West Oxfordshire District Council for consideration in December, with opportunities for public engagement as the process progresses.